The New York Times travel blog recently posted some great surfers' tips on what to check out while visiting a few of hot spots along Mexico's Pacific coast. Included in this post are some popular hangouts in Sayulita and Punta Mita, as well as some ideas of where to check in if you're looking for surfing lessons.

To check out the complete article, click here.

Bright Spots In Mexico's Desert

Are the beaches not quite your speed? Maybe you're just looking for something a little different in your tropical retreat. GQ recently did a piece on few Mexican hot spots without the waterfront locale, and San Miguel de Allende was their first recommendation. Here's what they had to say about this bustling haven for artists, expats, and those simply looking for a change of pace for their next Mexican getaway:

Wander through the Mercado de Artesanías, packed with jewelry and artwork instead of tourist-baiting trinkets, or Mercado Ignacio Ramírez, with its mountains of produce, and tacos made with the kind of fresh tortillas you won't find in the States. There are also some outstanding imports, like Ristorante da Andrea, an ace Italian joint hidden in a 300-year-old house on the outskirts of town. San Miguel's most famous landmark is La Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel— a pink, whimsical Gothic church. Have a look inside and then take in the striking facade from La Posadita, a nearby rooftop bar that happens to serve the best margaritas in town.

Be sure to check out the full article here.

Why You Should Go to Mexico

Globetrotter and travel expert Robert Reid just wrote a piece for CNN on why you should consider Mexico for your next vacation getaway. Reid debunks the unsavory rumors about tourists' saftey, and outlines a number of great reasons Mexico still offers an unforgettable travel experience. Most notably, he says, is the people:

A couple years ago, I informally polled various innkeepers and tour operators worldwide to find out who are the world's friendliest travelers. Guess who won. "Mexicans are such a joy to have here," one Bulgarian guesthouse owner e-mailed back. "They make everyone feel happier."

And it's often better in Mexico, where locals show particular gusto in love of life. Once I saw fireworks go off in Mexico City, before sunset, and asked a local why. He was surprised I didn't know. "It's Friday," he explained.

Read the entire CNN piece here, and be sure to check out Reid's travel blog where he highlights eight places in Mexico you really need to experience.

Dancers Take to the Streets of Puerto Vallarta

The streets of Puerto Vallarta became a stage when a crew of covert dancers surprised locals and tourists with an impromptu dance number. This flash mod, or large-scale choreographed but unannounced dance number, grabbed unsuspecting onlookers attention, and even got them moving. Take a look at the fun as it unfolds in Puerto Vallarta:


Flash Mob Puerto Vallarta by pvrflashmob

San Miguel Designer Featured in Utah Style Magazine

Recently Holly Howard, designer to homes around the world — including a beautiful villa in San Miguel de Allende, shared her insight into creating warm and inviting spaces with Utah Style Magazine. Holly touches on everything from accessories, furniture, and use of color: "I like color in my home, my dress and the people I spend time with." Take a look at some of her work on Mariposa Mexico Villa in San Miguel:





See the full article here in the spring issue of Utah Style (PDF link) and be sure to check out Mariposa Mexico, a steal at only $279 a night.

Best Things to Do in Puerto Vallarta

The travel section at U.S. News & World Report has posted a excellent guide of sights, sounds, and experiences you don't want to miss while visiting Puerto Vallarta. Included in the guide are beaches, parks, shopping districts, historical sights, free activities, and much more. Here is just a bit of what they have to say:

Catch a bus or ask a taxi driver to take you to the beautiful Malecón, the boardwalk that runs parallel to Banderas Bay. Then take your time strolling past the unusual statues and intricatesand sculptures found there, stopping for pictures or looking inside one of the art galleries along the way. You'll probably end your walk at Los Arcos or the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe -- two of the most iconic images of the city. If you have more than a day to spare, plan on spending one or two hours at the Botanical Gardens of Vallarta or in the northern seaside town of Bucerías.

Click here to see the complete guide and to get ideas of what to see and do during your stay in Puerto Vallarta.

What You Should Really Worry About When Visiting Mexico

Often tourists get a little concerned about saftey when traveling to Mexico. Recently Susie Albin-Najera of The Mexico Report wrote a great piece on what will really be on your mind as you travel. Here's a small excerpt:

Here is a list of things you just might have to worry about while you’re visiting Mexico:

• You might overeat at the endless Sunday brunch and get heartburn


• You might trip and fall on the cobblestone streets


• You might get acid indigestion from too much fresh squeezed lemonade


• You might get sunburned and have to spend extra money buying aloe vera gel


• You might lose your hearing if you are sitting next to a 26-piece mariachi band


• You might have a hard time deciding whether to go to the beach or get a massage


• You might hit someone with a golf ball because you were blinded by the sun


• You might get really tired from having so much fun, that you forget to buy souvenirs for your family back home, and they might get mad


• You might fall completely, head-over-heals in love and never want to leave which causes you to be depressed when you have to go to the airport to go back home

Read the entire piece here.