Puerto Vallarta Mexico June 2002

So, for all our travels so far, what have we learned?

• Well, don't go to really hot places in the hottest part of the year,
  
• a little extra money spent on the hotel will make the stay a lot more pleasant,
  
• always plan on coming back - meaning don't try to cram everything into one trip or you'll be exhausted,
• Always go to the restroom when the opportunity presents itself.

We put this experience to good use for our next vacation. We decided to go to Puerto Vallarta. I did a little research on line and found an all inclusive resort through Expedia. I booked it as a "Vacation Package" so I was able to put the airfare in there as well. We decided to go in June (we learned rule number 1) and by paying a little extra, we stayed at a nicer resort (rule number 2).

Now, things we learned on this trip - NEVER assume that there will ATM machines all over the place. That was huge.

We flew Mexicana Air - which was pretty nice. They actually gave us a hot breakfast on the plane that was tasty for airplane food. We didn't bring any cash, thinking we could get local currency from the ATM. I think we had about $100. When we landed and went through customs, the guy that we'd hired to take us to the hotel was waiting so we got in the cab - without stopping at the ATM (are you seeing a theme here?).

Our hotel was way out at the edge of the island. Very remote. So, paying the cab when we got to the hotel took most of our cash. No worries - we're on a big all inclusive resort. Did I mention that it was remote? No ATM. Hmm.

When we went to check in, they didn't have our reservation. Luckily, I had the confirmation from Expedia so they went ahead and checked us in and we started our vacation.

Seven days in Puerto Vallarta.
From our balcony, we had a nice view of the ocean. This place was nice. There was a family pool and an adults only pool. We hung out at the adults only. They also had guys walking around with drinks just handing them out. That was nice as well.
This vacation was for relaxing. We spent most of our time reading somewhere on the compound. It was great. If we weren't reading or eating we were sleeping.
This is a lovely view of the adult pool. The pool was at the top of cliff (not too high) and below us was the beach. The weather was great. It wasn't so hot that you couldn't be outside.
We got into the spirit. I even got a hat.
The drinks were free flowing.

On one of the days, we took our last $20 and spent it on a bus trip into downtown Puerto Vallarta where rumor had it there was an ATM machine.
After our visit to the ATM, we were feeling a little better. Of course, we didn't need any money until we took the cab back to the airport. We walked around downtown for a bit. We had a drink at the Hard Rock Cafe - Puerto Vallarta. We also bought some souvenir shirts. Shopping around here was nothing like shopping in Jamaica. Nobody chasing you. There were people that were selling things on the street but if you shook your head no, they looked to the next person.
This was definitely one of the most relaxing vacations we've ever taken. The food was good, the weather was good and of course, the company was good. By the time the 7th day rolled around, we were definitely ready to go back home.

The more we travel, the more we learn. This trip's lesson was never leave home and assume there will be ATM's all over. Bring some cash with you.