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The Great Escape
Finding Peace in Times of Trouble
...the best thing you can do both mentally and physically is to escape and regroup. Within close proximity to the United States and Canada, Puerto Vallarta is just a short plane ride away. While travel advisories are being released for many parts of the world, no reports against travel to Mexico have been released, making Puerto Vallarta one of the safest places to go and unwind. With the slipping economy and the airline industry practically begging people to fly, exceptional prices on airfare and accommodations are available. Many cheap ticket websites have airfares to Puerto Vallarta for under $200.00 USD. Sunday paper travel sections are advertising seat sales to Puerto Vallarta, as are many of the airline websites themselves. Most hotels in Vallarta are filling their rooms by offering low prices and package deals. 
The Nautilus Hotel has a special on their All Inclusive stays for as little as $49.00 per person, per night. Villa del Palmar Hotel lowered their one bedroom suite from $195.00 a night to $155.00 for up to four people. For families, the Melia Hotel is an excellent choice as they have spacious rooms and children up to 16 years of age are given exceptional rates.
Another bargain at the moment is the currency exchange. Both the USD Dollar and CDN Dollar can buy more pesos than ever, giving travelers to Mexico more bang for the buck. Almost everywhere around Puerto Vallarta you will find 10 peso deals (roughly 90 cents) for a silver plated bracelet, a shrimp taco, a strawberry crepe or a freezing cold bottle of Corona. A Different World 
The beauty of Puerto Vallarta is more than just the local history, sun-filled days, brilliant blue skies, colorful sunsets and refreshing blue-green waters; it is the friendly and outgoing people. From the local residents to the joyful travelers, it is hard not to feel refreshed and relaxed. Walking along the Malecon, you can see sand sculptures of symbols of peace and love designed by local artists on the beach. Other than that, life in Vallarta goes on as normal. Mariachi bands play, women in brightly colored dresses dance, children laugh and play in the surf, and couples stroll the streets holding hands. While CNN News and FOX TV are available, as well as English speaking newspapers, such as USA Today and the Wall Street Journal, most people from residents to tourists spend little time keeping up with the war. When asked if she felt guilty to be in Puerto Vallarta when the war started, Lisa Petersen from Seattle, WA replied, "Absolutely not. I am as helpless here as I am there, so why not get away and enjoy a week in the sun?" Other tourists landing at the airport stated they had no fears of flying to Vallarta and that getting away from the negativity was their main goal. "It's only been a week since the war started, but it's been almost two years that we've been in the midst of uncertainty." replied Mark, a flight attendant, "I really needed this break." Getting Away 
Many hotels in Puerto Vallarta have spas, salons, tennis courts and water sports, and most have an activities team that help guests get in the vacation groove and have fun. The Grand and Club Marival Hotel and the Hotel Canto del Sol are excellent choices for people who want a variety of activities and fun. The Premiere Hotel offers a Jacuzzi in every room or on the balcony, perfect for stress relief. Around town, plenty of masseuses are available, from the well known and respected Terra Noble Spa to Shanti Massage and Healing, as well as acupuncturists and flower oil therapists.For many, a relaxing day on a ship at sea like the Geronimo or the Bloodhound is just what the doctor ordered. Spending time on the beach reading, playing volleyball or shopping for deals with the beach vendors takes the mind away from other matters. Horseback riding through the jungle or a candlelit dinner at Le Bistro on the Rio Cuale can do wonders. No matter where your interests lie, there is a stress reliever for everyone in Vallarta. |
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