A Record 118,000 Hit Mazatlán Beaches on Good Friday

by Maureen Dietrich
6 Apr 15
mazmessenger.com

For Mazatlán’s lifeguard squad, the most complicated and hazardous day on the municipality’s beaches during Semana Santa was Friday, April 3 when an estimated 118,000 people packed up their umbrellas, chairs and coolers and spent the day by the ocean.

The squad reported 49 rescues between March 28 and April 5 none of which resulted in serious injury. Lifeguards also attended to swimmers stung by jellyfish and sting rays.

A bulletin from the Municipal Secretary of Public Security advised police had detained 391 people mainly for public drunkenness and misdemeanors, 152 of which were arrested in beach locations and 239 in urban areas.

The department of roads reported that between April 1 and April 5, 17 automobile accidents were attended to, mainly within the city limits.

(from Noroeste)

Tourism industry saw record visitors in 2014

 

The industry meets today through Thursday in Acapulco.sipse

News

 

Mexico News Daily | Monday, March 23, 2015

mexiconewsdaily.com

   

There ought to be celebrations in Acapulco this week when the tourist industry gathers for its annual conference, Tianguis Turístico.

Mexico’s biggest tourism fair, which this year expects 100 foreign and 120 domestic buyers of travel-related products, follows a year in which the industry bounced back in a big way after some years of economic and security woes.

 

A record 29.1 million visitors arrived in 2014, an increase of 20.5% over the previous year, a big turnaround after some dismal years following the 2.5% decline recorded in 2009.

It is also significant in relation to the growth recorded during much of the last 30 years, when Mexico saw only modest increases in tourism. Its 1.1% growth during that period was shadowed by Turkey with 11.6%, Hong Kong with 8.6% and Malaysia with 7.8%, for example.

Another gratifying figure for the industry was in the estimated amount of money spent by visitors last year, a total of US $16 billion, a massive increase over annual revenues generated between 2000 and 2012, which fluctuated between $8 billion and just over $13 billion.

Last year’s numbers are expected to move Mexico into 12^th place from 15^th on the list of the world’s most-visited countries.

Although tourism promotion efforts have widened their geographic focus since the economic downturn of 2009, the United States continues to be the principal source of visitors. And with a stronger economy and lower fuel prices more Americans are on the way.

Their numbers were up 11.8% last year and many more are expected in 2015, particularly with the rise in the value of the dollar against the peso.

But by broadening marketing efforts, the Mexican Tourism Promotion Council (CPTM) has succeeded in attracting more visitors from Canada, the United Kingdom, Colombia, Spain and Brazil, all of which have seen double-digit increases.

Improved security in places such as Tijuana and Ciudad Juárez have also led to a recovery in tourism on the U.S. border; nearly half of all international visitors arrive by land.

But it’s those who arrive by air that bring the most money: last year they spent $950 each on average. For that reason, the CPTM has concentrated on marketing golf, luxury tourism and gastronomical and cultural experiences to visitors with higher disposable income.

Campaigns in the U.S. have encouraged baby-boomers and seniors to visit cultural destinations such as San Miguel de Allende.

Meetings and conferences are another market and the CPTM’s 23 offices around the world have been promoting Mexico’s 70 convention centers.

While 2014 appears to have been a good year, expectations are that 2015 will be even better. The owner of the boutique hotel Rosas & Xocolate in Mérida, Yucatán, says he just saw the best January ever in the hotel’s five years of operation.

Carol Kolozs said February was the same and March is looking very good. Good enough, in fact, that the hotel will expand from 17 to 54 rooms and is looking to open another property elsewhere in the country.

Source: Milenio (sp)
 

- See more at: http://mexiconewsdaily.com/news/tourism-industry-saw-record-visitors-2014/#sthash.KLzqbMKO.dpuf

Tim Woodward: Humberto and surprising Mazatlan

idahostatesman.com

By Tim Woodward

     
March 15, 2015


MAZATLAN, Mexico - Including a day trip to Tijuana while in the Navy at San Diego, I've been to Mexico eight times and somehow missed Mazatlan - one of the closer resort cities to Idaho.
Until last month.

Our trip got off to a shaky start in the Boise Airport. The agent checking us in was blowing her nose and sneezing on our luggage tags, driver's licenses, boarding passes. ... We fought her off with hand sanitizer, but upstairs at our gate there she was again. And once we were on the plane - resanitized - she joined us to do a head count. We half expected to see her, soggy Kleenex in hand, clinging to the wing when we took off.

Mazatlan, however, was great. For starters, the dollar was almost 50 percent stronger against the peso than it was a year ago. Most of the breakfast and lunch choices at the place where we stayed were less than $4. Mexican beers that cost $4 in restaurants in Boise were about 70 cents.

Mazatlan is unique for having two things - the world's third-largest Mardi Gras celebration (after Rio de Janeiro and New Orleans) and pulmonias. We missed Mardi Gras by a few days, but we became instant fans of pulmonias, which exist nowhere else in the world.

Pulmonias are overgrown golf carts, made with Volkswagen parts and used as taxis. Drivers of regular taxis were jealous of the fanfare the open-air taxis received when they were introduced, so they told customers they'd get pneumonia riding in them. Pulmonia is Spanish for pneumonia.
Humberto Valasquez, who has been driving the same, meticulously maintained pulmonia for 20 years, took us on a tour of the city in it. Because we'd just missed Mardi Gras, I asked him what it was like.

"A big parade on the Malecon (one of the world's longest). Lots of people - 400,000 visitors in town wearing masks and drinking. Nine months later, a lot of babies are born."
About like New Orleans, in other words.

Humberto used to work in a restaurant, but he likes being outdoors better.

"A lot of the restaurants aren't doing well," he said. "The all-inclusive resorts have hurt them. People eat for free there, so they don't go out to dinner as much. They don't even go out for drinks because the drinks at the resort are free."

Pacifico beer is made in Mazatlan. That, and myriad varieties of tequila - from regular agave tequila to coffee tequila, almond tequila, mango tequila. … (The waiter at dinner on our last night offered us a sample from a jug with a snake in the bottom. We declined.)

"Tequila is our national drink," Humberto said, laughing. "That and beer, and vodka, and rum. … "
Like many of the people we met in Mazatlan, Humberto truly seemed to enjoy life. Except during Mardi Gras, the city is low-key, laid back. The street and beach vendors are almost sedate compared with those in other places we'd been, and in two weeks we met exactly one guy who was pushing time shares. In Puerto Vallarta, you see more than that before you leave the airport.

Add perfect weather and friendly, helpful locals and you have a textbook winter getaway.

Read more here: http://www.idahostatesman.com/2015/03/15/3698232_humberto-and-surprising-mazatlan.html?rh=1#storylink=cpy

Americans flock to Mexico for warm-weather escape

March 10, 2015 at 3:41 pm

NACHA CATTAN

Bloomberg News

seattletimes.com

 

 

A frigid U.S. winter, and a strong dollar, is creating a record tourism season in Mexico
This season is shaping up to be the most robust for Mexico tourism, the country’s fourth-largest source of foreign cash and a bright spot in an economy dragged down by low oil prices and production. December revenue from tourists was the highest for any Christmas season, according to central bank data, and foreign visits in January rose from last year’s highs with a boost from U.S. travelers. Many Americans are fleeing the frigid winter in the Midwest and northeastern U.S.

“I’m looking forward to not putting on 12 layers before I go outside,” said Morgan Thompson, 25, of New York, who recently booked an Aeromexico flight to a beach town in Mexico. “I’ve never seen so much snow in my life.”

The snowy weather triggered an exodus south. In January, foreign visits to Mexico rose 8.9 percent from a year earlier, according to the National Immigration Institute in Mexico City. It was the biggest month for international visitors of any January since 2007, according to the Interior Ministry. Travel from the U.S. alone increased 11 percent in the same month.

 

“Weather in the U.S. could be a relevant factor that along with the strength of the dollar is making Mexico a more attractive tourist destination,” said Javier Romo, an analyst at Signum Research.

Heavier Fines for Fraudulent Time Share Sellers

by Maureen Dietrich

Jan 15 

mazmessenger.com

 

Beginning this year, sanctions against time share salesmen committing fraud will increase.

The tougher penalties are a result of an alliance between the municipal government and Procuraduría Federal del Consumidor (Profeco, or consumer protection) to stop time share sellers from accosting tourists and offering false promises.

Official Mayor, Salvador Reynosa Garzón, said beginning today fines of 50 to 250 minimum salaries will be assessed against time share sellers who work outside their authorized areas, who accost tourists and who do not honour promotion offers.

He has met three times with Profeco, said Renosa Garzón, to validate time share projects and guaranty their completion. (from Noroeste)

Mexico welcomed 10.1% more foreign visitors

tourism-review.com

Date 22.12.2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The number of foreign visitors in Mexico increased by 10.1% between January and October this year, with the total amount of visitors reaching 10.5 million tourists during the period.

The Ministry of Tourism (Sectur) reported in a statement that according to the National Migration Institute (INM), this figure exceeds the 9.6 million international visitors recorded during the same period in 2013.

The foreign exchange earnings from international visitors showed a positive development, reaching $13.34 billion in the tenth month of this year, according to the Bank of Mexico (Banxico). All this, the institution explained, is equivalent to 16.7% more than the $11.254 billion recorded during the same period last year.

In October, there was an inflow of $1.96 billion, $818 million of which came from tourists who came by air, which is an increase of 13.0% over October 2013. The central bank said that the average expenditure of travellers who came by air was $949.1, a figure that is 10.1% higher than the figure for January to October the previous year. In the first 10 months of 2014, tourist arrivals reached 23.2 million, a figure that is 18.6 % higher than arrivals in the country in the same period in 2013.

According to the Migration Policy Unit (PSU) of the Ministry of the Interior (Segob), the main source of tourists coming to Mexico is the United States, with 5.9 million visitors between January and October. They are followed by Canadian visitors with 1.3 million and travellers from the UK with 389,000.

As for tourists coming from emerging economies, the Tourism Ministry noted that tourist arrivals from Colombia increased by 24.7%, China by 24.4%, Venezuela by 9.1%, while for Brazil there was a 13.7% increase over the period January-October 2013.

Read more at http://www.tourism-review.com/mexico-reported-101-more-foreign-visitors-news4378#6eBV0UzAdCSBqszq.99

5 Common Air Travel Mistakes

by Jeanette Foster

travel.aarp.org

Ensure extra time to make flight connections to avoid a common air travel mistake.

GETTY IMAGES

When it comes to air travel, so many things can go wrong. Sometimes we create the problems ourselves by doing such things as packing carelessly (resulting in extra luggage fees) or scheduling a too-tight connection (resulting in a missed flight). Below are some common air travel mistakes — and tips on how to avoid them.

1. Not allowing enough time for connections

It's a miserable feeling to be in transit on a delayed plane, knowing that when you land you will have missed the next flight and will have to scramble to make alternate arrangements — arrangements that might also warrant an overnight hotel stay.

How to avoid: Allow — or insist on, if the airline books it — at least 90 minutes between connecting flights; some experts recommend two hours.

2. Not doing your packing homework

Planning to fly with carry-on luggage only? Size limitations vary by airline and type of aircraft. And, yes, Hawaii should be beautiful in June, but will there be rain? What about the temperatures at night? Will you need a jacket or wrap?

How to avoid: Check the daily forecast in your destination and look on your airline's website for luggage information; while checking carry-on dimensions, look into what it will cost to check bags, including weight limitations and the fees for exceeding them.

3. Not preparing for your arrival

Do you know where your accommodations are in relation to the airport? Do you know what your transportation options are and what getting to your hotel will cost?

How to avoid: Determine your hotel's proximity to the airport. Is it a five-minute cab ride or a 50-minute endeavor? What's the going rate for cab fare? Are fares fixed or metered, or do you have to agree on a price with the driver before heading out? You should also find and price out at least one other mode of transportation to the hotel; shuttles are often available.

4. Not checking immigration requirements

There are still a good number of countries (Russia and Brazil, for instance) that require a visa for entry, and many countries require that your passport be valid for at least six months from the date of your entry. Still other countries require that there be a blank page in your passport for their stamps — in some instances, even the location of this page matters (for example, it might need to be the last page).

How to avoid: Well in advance of your trip, contact the embassy or consulate of your destination country and determine its immigration requirements.

5. Paying high credit card foreign transaction fees

With some cards, both the credit card company and the issuing bank charge foreign transaction fees. In addition, there are fees for having charges automatically converted to U.S. dollars at the point of purchase (called "dynamic currency conversion"). These fees add up quickly.

How to avoid: Read the small print on your credit card agreement to determine what fees are charged. If there are multiple fees or the percentages are high, shop around for a card with better terms. When charging items abroad, be sure to ask those you are paying to make charges in the local currency.

10 Best Holiday Travel Tips

travel.aarp.org
By Christopher Hall | AARP

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The holiday travel season is expected to be hectic, but with a little careful planning these tips can help you navigate and save time. ALAMY

It's that time of year again, when we hear how grim the upcoming holiday travel season will be. Yes, planes, trains and roads will be crowded, especially now that the economy is perking up. And there's always the chance that snowstorms will gum up the works. But your holiday travel fate is partly in your own hands. Here are 10 tips — some new, some time-tested — for headache-free traveling during this busy season.

1. Don't Travel on Peak Days

There's no getting around it. Peak travel days are the worst! You've heard it before, but it remains true that traveling the day before Thanksgiving and the Sunday after — whether by air, rail or road — greatly increases your chance of travel woes. Consider adjusting your dates by even a day. This year, the Christmas and New Year's crush should be more spread out because the holidays fall on Wednesdays.

2. Leave Lots of Extra Time

Depart from home far earlier in the day than you would at any other time of year, whether you're starting a road trip or heading to an airport or bus or railway station. Wouldn't you rather not be panicked if you run into traffic congestion, crowded public transit or long security lines? Relax and read or listen to music while you wait for your plane or train; take a restful pit stop if you're driving.

3. Rethink the Airport Experience

An airport is no longer just a transit hub to be rushed through. Many terminals are amenity-filled malls, some with terrific art exhibitions, shops, restaurants and even spas and yoga rooms. Arriving three hours before a flight is a lot more pleasant when you know you can browse, savor a glass of wine, exercise or get a massage.

4. Reserve Airport Parking

Airport parking often fills up during the holidays. But at many lots — especially private ones a short shuttle ride from the terminal — you can prebook, sparing yourself a mad scramble to stash the car before your flight takes off.

5. Avoid Airline Ticket Counters

There is no need to wait in line if you print out boarding passes at home, pull them up on your smartphone or get them at an airport kiosk. If you have an e-ticket, carry a printout of your itinerary. And if you're checking bags, use the skycaps at curbside (remember to tip them generously).

6. Pack Light for Air Travel

Take only a carry-on bag, even if it means leaving an outfit or two at home. That sacrifice will save you time on both ends of the trip, and if your flight is canceled it simplifies scoring a seat on another flight.

7. Have a Backup Plan

You can't predict travel snafus, but you can make like a Boy Scout and be prepared for anything. If you're driving, know alternative routes so you can adjust if traffic is bad. If you're flying, know the alternative flights and connecting cities to your destination in case of delays or cancellations.

8. Bring Provisions

Take snacks, games, books, magazines, portable music or DVD players and other diversions to pass the time if your flight is delayed or you're stuck in traffic. (This is vital, of course, if you're traveling with kids.)

9. Turn Your Phone Into a Travel Tool

Sign up with your airline to receive flight status updates on your phone, or load your smartphone with mobile travel alert apps from Amtrak or state highway authorities. Before leaving home, make sure your phone is fully charged and holds all the numbers you could possibly need, including family, friends, hotel, airline, rental car agency and credit card companies.

10. Think Twice About Holiday Gifts

If you'll be traveling by air, ship presents in advance or shop online and have them delivered to your destination. If you do take gifts along, make them small and packable, and don't wrap them beforehand: Even if they're in checked luggage, security personnel may need to open them for inspection.

Best Time and Website for Buying Airline Tickets

clarkhoward.com

By Clark Howard

Every day I'm asked, "What's the best time to buy an airline ticket, and what's the best website to do it on?" I've got some new answers to share with you.

The Airline Reporting Corporation (ARC), which is like the back office of ticket selling for the nation's airlines, has monitored data continually over a 19-month period and found that the magic time to buy a ticket is generally 8 weeks before you travel.

Try booking an airline ticket on this day...

So the latest ARC study suggests the old advice of booking 42 days before your departure has shifted to 57 days before travel.

Meanwhile, there's always the question of what's the best day to buy an airline ticket? Conventional wisdom held that it was Tuesday. 

Not so anymore, says ARC. Their new recommendation is book on a Sunday as your first choice, followed by Saturday. Weekend airfare shopping is in! 

Now, this is a general rule; it's not true for every ticket. But overall, if you're looking for a cheap fare, why not give it a try?

Try following airlines on social media because that's where people are getting some of the lowest fares today. The airlines want to put out unpublished fares that will not be matched by others. Social media lets them attract a customer and not have to compete with each other. 

The best website for booking your ticket is...

Now, where do you get best deal? A Wall Street Journal test reveals there is no one definitive website that will save you money every time. Whoever is cheapest one time may not be cheapest the next time. So shop and shop and shop on multiple websites to save the most money.


And remember, the best deal flows to the opportunist. When you see a screaming deal, buy it and then figure why you want to go to the city you've booked!

 

4 Gateway Cities For Cheap European Fares

If you are going to Europe, the question of when to book is important, but not nearly as much as the question of what city you depart from. I've long recommended buying one ticket to a key bargain city and then going overseas from that city.

The cheapest gateway cities to Europe include New York, Orlando's Sanford Field, Ft. Lauderdale, and San Francisco/Oakland.

If you're frustrated with European fares, start with those gateways and you may wind up saving a substantial amount. But remember, don't buy way early because you'll probably later regret it.

As just one example of a discounter that flies out of those cities, Norwegian Air Shuttle is flying New York to Oslo for about $500 RT (roundtrip); NY to London at $384 RT; NY to Copenhagen at $474 RT; and San Francisco to Oslo at $596 RT.

Carnival Cruise Lines To Offer Series Of Unique Longer Length Voyages In 2015-16

Press Release: Carnival Cruise Lines 

 

MIAMI, Dec. 5, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Carnival Cruise Lines will offer a series of unforgettable 10- to 14-day voyages on six different ships between October 2015 and February 2016 that feature extended calls at magnificent destinations throughout the Caribbean, Bermuda, Mexican Riviera and The Bahamas.

Reservations opened today on 11 different voyages offered on Carnival Miracle, Carnival Dream, Carnival Glory and Carnival Sunshine which depart from Long Beach, Calif., Port Canaveral, Fla., San Juan, Miami, and New Orleans and visit more than two dozen tropical destinations, including less traveled ports like Bonaire, Martinique, Dominica, Grenada and, for the first time on a Carnival ship, Tobago. Several of the 10- and 11-day voyages can be combined into three-week-long Caribbean adventures providing an unmatched combination of breathtaking ports of call, amazing experiences ashore, and fun-filled sea days, all at an incredible value.

These new voyages are in addition to a previously announced series of nine 10- to 14-day departures to the Caribbean and Bermuda offered on Carnival Triumph from Galveston and Carnival Pride from Baltimore in 2015-16.

"Based on feedback from our guests and travel agent partners, we're delighted to offer these longer length voyages which provide vacationers an opportunity to visit some of the world's most breathtaking destinations while enjoying all the wonderful on-board innovations and features found aboard Carnival's ships," said Terry Thornton, Carnival's senior vice president of itinerary planning.

The new voyages include:

Carnival Dream

• Oct. 4-15, 2015: 11-day Caribbean/Bermuda cruise from New Orleans to San Juan featuring Nassau, King's Wharf, Bermuda (overnight call), St. Maarten and St. Thomas.
• Oct. 15-25, 2015: 10-day Caribbean cruise from San Juan to New Orleans with calls at St. Thomas, St. Kitts, St. Maarten, Grand Turk, and Falmouth, Jamaica (the above two cruises can be combined to create a 21-day round-trip voyage from New Orleans).  
• Jan. 3-14, 2016:  11-day southern Caribbean cruise from New Orleans to San Juan with stops at Grand Turk, Aruba, Bonaire, St. Kitts, Antigua and St. Maarten
• Jan. 14-25, 2016: a 10-day Caribbean cruise from San Juan to New Orleans calling at St. Thomas, Dominica, St. Kitts, Grand Turk and Falmouth (the above two cruises can be combined to create a 21-day round-trip voyage from New Orleans). 

Carnival Glory

• Oct. 31–Nov. 14, 2015: 14-day Caribbean cruise round-trip from Miami visiting Aruba, Bonaire, Grenada, Barbados, St. Lucia, Antigua, St. Thomas and St. Maarten.
• Jan. 23-Feb. 2, 2016: 10-day cruise from Miami to San Juan calling at the private Bahamian island of Half Moon Cay, Grand Turk, Antigua, Martinique, St. Lucia, St. Kitts and St. Thomas.
• Feb. 2-13, 2016: 11-day cruise from San Juan to Miami visiting St. Croix, St. Maarten, Dominica, Grenada, Bonaire, Aruba, and Curacao (the above two cruises can be combined to create a 21-day round-trip voyage from Miami).

Carnival Sunshine

• Nov. 28-Dec. 9, 2015: 11-day Caribbean/Bahamas voyage from Port Canaveral, Fla., to San Juan visiting Grand Turk, St. Thomas, Tortola, St. Kitts, Dominica, St. Lucia, Antigua and St. Croix.
• Dec. 9-19, 2015: 10-day Caribbean cruise from San Juan to Port Canaveral featuring St. Thomas, Antigua, Dominica, Martinique, St. Croix, and Grand Turk (the above two cruises can be combined to create a 21-day voyage round-trip from Port Canaveral). 
• Feb. 21-March 5, 2016: 13-day southern Caribbean cruise round-trip from Port Canaveral calling at St. Maarten, Dominica, Barbados, Scarborough (Tobago), Grenada, Martinique, St. Kitts and St. Thomas.

Carnival Miracle

• Jan. 31- Feb. 12, 2016: 13-day Mexican Riviera voyage round-trip from Long Beach, Calif., calling at Cabo San Lucas (two-day call), La Paz, Mazatlan, Zihuatanejo/Ixtapa, Manzanillo, and Puerto Vallarta (overnight call).

In addition to fantastic dining, entertainment and activity options available on board, each of these destinations offers beautiful beaches, interesting historical attractions and natural landmarks, and unique sightseeing, dining and shopping opportunities.  During these cruises, guests can zipline across the lush countryside, view centuries-old architectural structures, visit world-class museums, and snorkel and scuba dive in crystal-clear waters teeming with tropical fish and other sea life.

For additional information and reservations, contact any travel agent, call 1-800-CARNIVAL or visitcarnival.com.

5 Reasons Mexico Can Be Better Outside of a Resort

travelpulse.com

Mexico is a fantastic country with delicious cuisine, friendly people and some of the world's most amazing historical sites. People love going on vacation to Mexico, and why wouldn't they? A resort allows you to enjoy a beautiful beach, have waiters refill your margarita before you even notice it's empty, and enjoy a selection of 10 different international restaurants all without even leaving the resort!

But what if we were to tell you that your vacation could be even better? Try venturing outside of the all-inclusives and experience the real Mexico!

Here are five reasons why Mexico can be even better outside of the resort:

1. The Cost

With prices like $1500 / week for a five-star, all-inclusive holiday, you may think that you could never enjoy Mexico for less if you did it independently. But believe us, you can. Mexico is a country of incredible value and you could easily spend three weeks here, staying in an apartment, eating local food and drinking at local bars, and you wouldn't spend more than $1,500 in three weeks!

But, you don't have to stay in an apartment or a hotel, you can still stay in your resort and experience Mexico. Just hop on a local bus or taxi and take a day-trip to a nearby town. You'll love the vibe of the local life in this incredible country.

2. Meeting Local People

One of the most fascinating aspects of travel is having the opportunity to meet and mingle with the local people in whatever countries you visit. It's amazing when you get the opportunity to learn about the culture, day-to-day life, and beliefs first hand, from a new local friend.

Of course, the employees at your resort will be Mexican, and it's great to be able to sit and chat with them for a while, but they're busy and you don't often get into deep conversations with them. 

If you have the opportunity to meet Mexicans at a bar, at a restaurant or on the streets, outside of a work environment, it will be easier to forge lasting friendships and really get to know them. Who knows, you may even get invited into their homes... a prospect that is less likely if you're staying at a resort.

3. Tasting Real Mexican Food

Of course your resort will have amazing Mexican restaurants on-site, but let's be honest. How many meals do you actually end up eating there? With so many amazing international restaurants around, you may just end up eating every type of food except Mexican!

If you stay in a small local town like Valladolid in the Yucatan, you'll have more options for Mexican food than you could dream of. You'll learn about local specialties, ingredients and preparation methods. Best of all, you'll probably be sharing the restaurant with mostly locals, which is a great way to mingle and make new Mexican friends.

4. Learning Some Spanish

This may not be a top priority for you when you're planning your vacation to Mexico, but it can be a lot of fun to learn Spanish while you're there! If you take a tip from No. 1 in this post, you may be hanging around for three weeks or more. That means you'll have plenty of time to learn and practice some of the local language. Mexicans are always friendly to tourists, but they love it whengringos take the time to learn a bit of their native tongue. Not only will you enjoy the new skill, but your Mexican friends will appreciate it.

5. Being IN Mexico:

Of course if you go to Mexico and stay in a resort, you'll have been to Mexico... but venture away from your gated all-inclusive community and head into the cities to get a real feel for this amazing nation, its unique culture and its welcoming people. There's nothing like walking down a back road in quiet village, or strolling through the city centro in the late afternoon. Mexico is a great place to be, so get out there and see it!

Photo: Beautiful Valladolid town in the Yucatan State

While staying in a resort is a fun experience and the ultimate way to relax on your holiday, you may want to consider this alternative way of travelling in Mexico. Even if you still stay in a resort, you can enhance your trip by leaving the grounds once in a while and taking a local bus into town.

Mexico is out there, waiting to be explored, and despite what the news says, it's safe. You won't be venturing into dangerous border towns, or walking down dark alleys at night, so you can be sure that in major tourist towns like Cancun, Puerto Vallarta and Playa del Carmen, you'll have no issues. So why not head out into the real Mexico? Give it a try to see what it's like.

US, Mexico Agree on Greater Access for Air Carriers

John Thomas - Banderas News
November 25, 2014

laht.com

As a result of a new agreement with the US Transportation Department, more airlines could be adding service to Puerto Vallarta and other major travel destinations throughout Mexico effective January 1, 2016.

The US and Mexico have reached an agreement to expand access for passenger and cargo air service between the two countries. The new agreement removes current restrictions on the number of airlines that can provide service on established routes, the US Transportation Department said in a news release.

As a result of the new agreement, certain routes could see new airlines entering the market, and carriers will have more opportunities to provide service to destinations that had not been allowed before.

The deal still falls short of the "Open Skies" partnerships, the US has been striving for since 1992. Under those agreements, governments would have no say in commercial airline decisions on routes, pricing, or capacity.

Cargo airlines will also benefit from the new agreement, with expanded opportunities to provide service to locations currently unavailable under the existing pact.

"Travelers, shippers, airlines, and the economies of both countries will benefit from competitive pricing and more convenient air service," US Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx said.

The new agreement will become effective in 2016.

Source: WSJ