By: Jim Scherrer

Riviera; the word alone tends to conjure pleasant images of beautiful scenery, of calm serenity or relaxation, even of Paradise. By definition, Riviera is an Italian term originally from the Middle Ages for the coast of Liguria. The two divisions of the original Riviera, both of which border the Ligurian Sea, an arm of the Mediterranean Sea, are the Italian Riviera and the French Riviera. Retirement on either Riviera would be wonderful if you have seriously deep pockets, don’t mind the 10 hour transatlantic flight, and the possible language barrier when you’re there!

Today, the term is more generally applied worldwide to about a dozen warm coastal regions popular with tourists. Mexico is blessed with two such regions; the Riviera Maya and the Mexican Riviera.

The Riviera Maya consists of 80 miles of Caribbean coastline wrapping along the eastern side of the Yucatan Peninsula in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo. It includes the resort cities of Isla Mujeres, Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Cozumel, and Tulum. This region is a terrific area for visiting with its warm weather, sandy beaches, and historic archaeological sites; it may be a different matter when it comes to retirement. The average daily temperature for the “high season” of November through May along the Riviera Maya is 77°F however you can expect an average monthly rainfall during this season in excess of 3 inches. Also, the Yucatan area is threatened by hurricanes off the Caribbean Sea almost every year with Playa del Carmen and Chetumal being virtually wiped out a few years ago and Cancun devastated in 2005. The topography of the entire Yucatan peninsula is essentially flat with elevation variations of less than 500 feet thereby providing no scenic mountainside retirement communities. This flat topography results in the beautiful large beaches and shallow water that attract the younger generation for spring break vacations and other holidays with a very active night life.

The Mexican Riviera consists of more than 1,000 miles of Pacific Ocean coastline on the western side of Mexico stretching all the way from Ensenada in Baja California to Puerto Escondido and Huatulco in the state of Oaxaca. With the Sierra Madre Mountains running virtually the entire distance, this shoreline has to be considered one of the most scenic on the planet. First dubbed the Mexican Riviera by the American cruise industry, today this magnificent shoreline is the fourth most popular cruise destination in the world with approximately 300 cruises annually. The problem is that approximately 90% of this magnificent terrain is classified as ejido land and is not available for purchase by foreigners. This land was given to the Mexican citizens after the Mexican Revolution for the purpose of farming or working and has not yet been regularized or privatized. The small fraction of land that has been privatized lies in and around the resort destinations along the Mexican Riviera where foreigners can purchase property and hold the title, as an escritura, in a 50 year bank trust. Consequently, almost all retirement communities along the Mexican Riviera are located in the cities of Ensenada, Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta, Manzanillo, Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo, Acapulco, Puerto Escondido, and Huatulco.

For retirement consideration, let’s take a closer look at the resorts along this Riviera.

Located only 70 miles south of the US border, Ensenada, known as the “Cinderella of the Pacific”, is a very convenient drive from most of the western cities in the US and really not that far from western Canada. Ensenada now has a population of 450,000 inhabitants of which approximately 20,000 are North American retirees. With beautiful weather and rolling hillsides, the Ensenada area has become world class wine country. Along with the wine industry, Ensenada has a thriving fishing industry, agricultural business, a substantial gravel mining industry, six major maquiladora parks, and of course tourism. The only deep water port in Baja California is located in Ensenada and therefore global shipping of products manufactured in the area is another main source of revenue. The greater Ensenada area is quite large and basically flat with mountains generally in the background surrounding the city. Therefore, most retirees reside in communities lacking hillside views or are in beachfront condominiums. Because the region is more industrial than tourist based, the cost of living is quite attractive in the Ensenada area.

Mazatlan, the “Pearl of the Pacific”, has 500,000 inhabitants and is one of the largest working ports in Mexico. Fishing, agriculture, cotton textile spinning and weaving, sugar refining, breweries, coffee roasting plants, etc. are located in Mazatlan. Approximately 300 miles south of Mazatlan is Manzanillo, the “Sailfish Capital of the World”. It is substantially smaller than the other industrial cities on the western coast of Mexico; however it has become Mexico’s busiest port with a huge volume of containerized freight. Both Mazatlan and Manzanillo rely heavily on industry and much less on tourism. Both of these industrial cities have fine beaches, fine weather, reasonable costs of living, and facilities catering to tourists and retirees.

Acapulco is by far the largest city on the Mexican Riviera with a population exceeding 700,000 people. Due to its easy access from Mexico City, Acapulco was the first resort city to be built along the Mexican Riviera. This popular resort destination offers scenic terrain, beautiful beaches, warm climate, and all the amenities that any tourist would desire. It grew so rapidly that the infrastructure was unable to handle the population; consequently during the past decade the authorities in Acapulco have tried to upgrade the infrastructure, clean up the city and beaches, and return it to world class resort status.

Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo (Ixtapa is actually the resort area where the retirees are located), Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Escondido, and Huatulco are much smaller cities, each having populations of less than 70,000 people; Puerto Escondido and Huatulco, much less. These relatively new resort cities are built around fabulous beaches with magnificent surrounding mountainous terrain. They each have beautiful golf courses and other tourist related activities. They all have modern cruise boat terminals and “international” airports with 2-6 international flights daily. Being strictly resort areas, there are virtually no other industries and therefore most of the local citizens speak some degree of English. Since these resort areas are still quite young and relatively small, some of the amenities that retirees are accustomed to might be lacking. Having small North American communities may offer benefits to some and drawbacks to others. The cost of living in these relatively remote areas may be somewhat higher than in the more accessible, further developed areas. 

The last and probably the most popular resort destination, located in the center of the Mexican Riviera, is Puerto Vallarta; home of nearly 50,000 North Americans. Puerto Vallarta has easy access from Guadalajara, has nearly 50 international flights daily from the US and Canada (more than all the rest of the Mexican Riviera cities combined), and has a Maritime Terminal that was recently upgraded and tripled in size in order to accommodate three large cruise boats simultaneously.

Puerto Vallarta is situated on the shoreline of the 25 mile diameter Banderas Bay which is surrounded by the Sierra Madre Mountains. There are approximately 35 miles of coastal land, much of which has very scenic adjacent hillside property that has been privatized for foreign purchase. Retirement property ranges from beachfront condominium towers to mountainside villas, all of which have panoramic views of the city, the Pacific Ocean, and the Sierra Madres with their native fauna and flora.

This city of 350,000 inhabitants is large enough to support the “big box” stores such as Sam’s Club, Super Wal-Mart, Costco, Home Depot, Office Supply, Office Max, etc. as well as many other mega modern supermarkets. High speed internet, VoIP telephone service, satellite TV, and all the other modern amenities are available in PV. Four new modern hospitals with sophisticated equipment and highly trained doctors are now in Vallarta as are a number of modern dental clinics. The area has always had world class sport fishing and now boasts 8 magnificent signature golf courses, a new convention center, botanical gardens, new parks, and numerous sites to visit. Since Vallarta’s only industry is tourism, communications are never a barrier.

The cost of living in Vallarta is about average for the Mexican Riviera but a fraction of that in Pebble Beach where the scenery might be comparable but the climate is not! Being on the same latitude as Maui, Hawaii, the average daily temperature in Vallarta during the winter months of November through May is 73°F with virtually no chance of rain; i.e., the weather is perfect for whatever activity pleases you and every activity imaginable is available!

As you can readily see, there’s a reason for Puerto Vallarta’s popularity; it basically has it all! So, whether you arrive via one of the 300 Mexican Riviera cruises or by one of the 50 daily flights, you really ought to consider Puerto Vallarta on the Mexican Riviera for your retirement residence. After all, not only is it a short 2-4 hours away but it’s probably the only Riviera you’ll ever be able to afford, except perhaps your dad’s old Buick!

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Question by Jackie Couturier: Is there a bad season for cruising in the Mexican Riviera?
I’m trying to convince my husband to take a 7 day Mexican Riviera cruise in mid April of 2010 leaving from Los Angeles, CA. It’s a very good deal. He thinks this may be because it’s the bad time of year to go. I can’t find anywhere that it’s every a bad time to go. (Weather wise, rough water, etc.) Has anyone done this around then or know what the weather is usually like?

Best answer:

Answer by Eric S
There is never a bad time to go. I think the worst might be hurricane season because there’s a slim chance you CAN get a hurricane over there. Otherwise it’s usually dry and sunny out there. It is much less stormy than the Atlantic Carribean.

April should be fine.

Give your answer to this question below!

Mexico city hotels are unique in their own ways. Above all they are surrounded with preserved colonial architecture and that is how travelers fall in love with Mexico city. You can now have a sneak preview of some of the Mexico city hotels through the following brief description.

1) Casa De La Condesa Hotel :

This Mexico city based hotel has a total of 32 rooms and this hotel has six floors in

the main building and four in the neighboring building. There are rooms of various

sizes. They are all decorated in traditional Mexican style with white wash walls

and cobalto blue touches. The hotel has a traditional Mexican courtyard which is

based on the ground floor where break fast can be taken. There is also a

small breakfast room which is inside and adjacent to the lobby.

2) San Francisco Hotel:

This hotel is six storey hotel and it comprises of 142 rooms and there is a wonderful terrace which is meant for the guests. This San Francisco Hotel is located a walking distance to all down town tourist attractions. Specifically speaking, this Mexico city based San Francisco Hotel is situated half a block from Alameda Park and it is approximately 13 miles from the International airport.

3) Nikko Hotel:

This Nikko Hotel is considered to be rated among the finest hotels in Mexico city. It intends to meet and exceed the expectations of demanding guests. Promiment people like, The President of Mexico and Ms. Margaret Thatcher have visited this hotel in the past. The hotel is situated within the neighborhood of Polanco. Nikko Hotel is close to Chapultepec. It is also near to the Auditorio Nacional and and several museums. You can also enjoy a ride on the Turibus which is a London style double-decker bus that stops at 24 different historical rights and attractions.

Nokko Hotel in Mexico city has got a corporate upgrade to 40th floor lobby and it consist of beautiful modern room with a awesome view of the city. The check in time is 13.00PM and check out time is 11.00AM. Hotel Nikko consists of 750 rooms.

3) J W Marriott Mexico City Hotel:

This hotel has striking high rise with angled corners and sloping roof. It has a Mexico City based JW Marriott hotel is a very nice, elegant hotel with great service. It is a very large hotel but it will not look crowded. This hotel is a solid luxury hotel. This hotel is right in the middle of Polanco and you have a good view of the location from one of the top floors of the hotel. This hotel is recommended for all, right from young singles, honeymooners, and families with small children to older travelers. Over all, this hotel is good for business meetings or hosting events.

There are plenty of hotels in Mexico. However, it is up to you to choose a hotel that is good and has a good safe location around. Mexico city is considered to be the second largest city in the world. However, getting around Mexico city is fairly simple even though it is a big place to move around. The city street signs are in Spanish. Try to know some Spanish. It can help you. You can use the taxi or the public buses. The Metro based Mexico City’s subway system is an excellent and cheap way to travel around .

I would like to end this article by stating the top 9 rated hotels which are as follows:

1) J W Marriott Mexico city

2) Embassy Suites Mexico city – Reforma

3) Four Seasons Mexico city

4)Emporio Reforma

5)Casa Vieja

6) Maria Cristina Hotel

7) Sheraton Centro Historico Hotel

Nikko Mexico

9) Hotel Catedral

You must choose your hotel on the basis of your budget and other priorities. I would recommend you to do your own research before you make your final decision on booking the right Mexico city based hotel for you

Question by Bec: What is so different about Mexico City that required athletes to spend time to ‘acclimatize’?
Athletes competing in the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico City arrived in the city some weeks before the games begun. They wanted to ‘acclimatize’.
What is so different about Mexico City that required this special preparation? What would be the problems experienced by foreign athletes competing in the Games?How were these problems of the athletes overcome?

Best answer:

Answer by Cranky Yankee
Altitude. The athletes (or anyone) have to acclimate to the difference in air pressure. Mexico City is 7,400 feet above sea level. Similar to problems in playing sports in Denver (The Mile High City).

Add your own answer in the comments!

Mexico says its soldiers killed American man
MEXICO CITY — Joseph Proctor told his girlfriend he was popping out to the convenience store in the quiet Mexican beach town where the couple had just moved, intending to start a new life.
Read more on Everett Herald

I was having a tooth ache in one tooth, had two teeth that had a big piece broken off, and several cavities. Like a lot of people, I knew I had  a lot of dental problems, but had hesitated to get my teeth fixed because I was afraid of what it might cost.  Finally, with the throbbing pain in my right jaw, I had to do something, So, I went to a local dentist, with a very nicely decorated office. He was very nice, and very professional, and certainly seemed to know his business.  However, after the evaluation, and he told me what it would cost to fix me up, I just about gagged! I was going to need 2 root canals with crowns, a third crown by itself, and 11 cavities filled. The total? ,350.  That was more money than I had paid for my car!

I have worked for years in telecommunications as a cable guy.  In other words, I bust my buns as a blue collar worker.  I make pretty good money, but I appreciate the value of it. My dental insurance was a joke.  There was a maximum yearly benefit of only ,500, and that wasn’t enough to pay to fix even one tooth. I thought, there has to be a better way.  Out of curiosity, I decided to check out what a dentist in Mexico might charge.  I didn’t even know if I could find any websites for one, but I did find several.  Some didn’t bother to list any prices, so I skipped over those.  Some of them didn’t have a US phone number, and I was afraid of what a long distance call to Mexico might cost. Some had some young girl of a receptionist who spoke broken English.  But I finally found someone who answered me in perfect English, and who was able to answer all of my questions. 

The guy from Mexico listened to what I had to say, and then told me some good news. To do all the work that my dentist in Denver wanted to charge me nearly ,500 for, in Mexico the dentist would only charge me 00.  I was elated! To be sure of the quality of their work, I asked for some referrals, which they were glad to give.  I called them all and everyone had only good things to say about their experience.  Evidently, these dentists do so much work, they have gotten really good at it.  It seems there are thousands and thousands of Americans each year who go to Mexico.  The place I found is in Tijuana, and that seems to be some kind of dental capitol because of the easy access from San Diego and Los Angeles, CA. 

When I planned my trip, the guy from the dentist office in Tijuana helped me figure out where to stay, and how to get to the border from the Airport.  Hotels were only per night, with tax, and getting around with a taxi only cost 4 or 5 bucks. My expenses were not amounting to too much, and since the dental work itself was so cheap, I decided to do something extra, that I would have never had the money to do back in Denver.  My front teeth have always been so ugly, I decided to have crowns placed on the 4 front teeth on the top and on the bottom.  The truth is, I could have gotten by without it, but I was feeling pretty good about the price.  I don’t mind spending money if I get good value. I The 8 extra crowns cost me only 00.  In the Denver, I would have paid 0 each. So, I paid a total of 00, ½ of what my dentist in Denver was originally going to charge me, but instead of only 3 crowns, I got 11.  I am still excited about this! Just think about it, I got almost ,000 worth of dental work done in Mexico for only 00. 

Many people have asked me about the dangers of going into Mexico. I admit, I was a little nervous about going to Tijuana because you here a lot of things on the news, but the idea of saving so much money gave me the motivation. However, once I got there, it was a piece of cake.  I loved it there! I found this to be quite calm, and didn’t feel at all intimidated.  As a cable dude, I have had to work in East Denver in the “bad part of town”, doing disconnects and repossessing people’s cable boxes when they didn’t pay their bill.   There have been a few times I had to call the police in order to do my job because people were threatening me.  I have been inside crack houses, and filthy apartment complexes, and seen prostitutes openly soliciting people, and drug dealers and punks carrying guns.  Believe me when I say Tijuana, at least in the business area where the dental clinics are, is harmless by comparison. And I know that Denver is nothing compared to parts of L.A. or Chicago, or NYC.  I honestly have not seen any of the so called violence in Tijuana.  I am sure stuff happens, but stuff happens everywhere else too. I think if you go out looking for trouble you will find it, but if you behave yourself and go where respectable people go you’ll be fine. 

To sum this up, I wanted to get this out there to help others to know that there is a real and viable alternative available for dental work. It may not make sense for minor things, but if all you need is one root canal and crown, you will save 00, and that is a whole lot more than my entire trip cost me. No wonder dental tourism has become such a growing craze! 

The dentist that I recommend is Sam Dental in Tijuana, Mexico, located just South of San Diego, CA. For more information go to: http://www.GoodSamDental.org They are extremely honest, very capable, have very low prices, and they guarantee their work. The will also help facilitate your trip by helping with transportation needs, and hotel reservations.

About the author: Jim C. has lived in South America for many years, and traveled extensively in Mexico. He speaks Spanish fluently, and is and expert in cross-cultural communications. In other words, he knows his way around!

Megacities – Mexico City Part 1 To Mother Nature, Mexico City is one big target. On one side: one of the world’s most earthquake-prone hotspots. On the other: one of the world’s most active volcanoes. And beneath their feet – a shaky foundation of landfill. From subways to freeways, this episode examines how Mexico City is harnessing cutting-edge technology to build in safety.
Video Rating: 4 / 5

Related Mexico Articles

For the 2 years I spent living and working in Mexico, I spent most of my time in Mexico City. Mexico City is a very big city, with a population of 111,211,789 (July 2009 est.), according to The World Fact Book. And although there are many great places to see while there, there are too many to write in this blog. So, here are a few that really caught my eye and should be on your list if your planning on visiting.

1. Coyoacan- Coyoacan is a very artsy, hippy, colonial-era suburb noted for its beautiful town center. It has cobble stone streets, old mansions, and several of the cities most interesting museums. This was also the home of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera. Coyoacan has a hippy feel with a very popular market every weekend in the town center(Centro de Coyoacan). At night, during the Christmas season there is an incredible slide show of beautiful Holiday themed art that is projected on the outside wall of the church in the town center.

2. Colonia Condessa-This area of Mexico City is a more upscale area and is very well known for some of the city’s hippest cafe’s, restaurants, nightclubs, and bars. The neighborhood is also well known for its parks and restored Art Deco buildings. From upscale restaurants, off-beat shops, art galleries, fashion shows, and nightclubs, you can pretty much find it all here.

3. Polanco- Similar in some ways to Condessa, Polanco is also a very upscale area of Mexico City. Here in Polanco you have a street named Mazaryk. This street is like the Rodeo Dr. of Beverly Hills, so be prepared to spend some pesos because Mazaryk is home to some of the best designers in the world. Other than shopping, there is also the Hard Rock Cafe, the W Hotel, and the Mexico City Museum located nearby. Most everything is within walking distance, the people are very friendly, and the area is very safe.

I spent much time in all three of these neighborhoods in Mexico and I always felt safe and never had any problems. And I definitely stand out with my blond hair and blue eyes. However, when traveling in a foreign country one should always be aware of his/her environment and take the necessary precautions. In a later post I will talk about the safety and overall do’s and dont’s while traveling in Mexico.

Some other places I would like to mention in passing, only because I did not spend too much time there. They are, San Angel and the Centro Historico. San Angel is very nice and has a great market on the weekends and the Centro Historico has an incredible museum where I saw a wonderful Diego Rivera exhibit, and not to mention the architecture. Oh! I almost forgot.

Mexico City was built on the ruins of the Ancient City Tenochtitlan, which was built on water and was the seat of the Aztec Empire. If you go to the Centro you can view a portion of the ruins and a large-scale model of how the empire looked in the 15th Century. I thought this was VERY cool and was happy I got to see it.

So, that’s about it, feel free to send in any questions or comments, until then…Happy Travels!

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Question by KiKi: mEXICO CITY?
What is the currency in Mexico City?
How would I write 5 dollars 10 dollars 15 dollars and 25 dollars for a mexican Resturant menu… remember it has to be in that currency

Best answer:

Answer by FATEBLOOD87
So if the food is going to be 5 American Dollars you would write Cinco Dollares, etc.
or are you asking what is equivelent to 5 american dollars?
Anyways, it is Pesos if you need pesos to equal to 5 american dollars.
did I confuse you?
Hope this helps

Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!

Gulf of Mexico there’s no need to fear, Kevin Costner and Super Skimmer are here! Kevin Costner the half man – half fish star of Waterworld, became involved with oil spills after watching the devastation the Exxon Valdez caused when it hit a reef and spilled over 10 million gallons of crude oil into the Alaskan sound on March 24, 1989. Since then Costner started his own company and funded engineers and scientists to develop centrifuges that can separate oil from water.

Costner patented this technology that could now be helpful in cleaning up the Gulf. The largest device Costner created, the V20, is able to clean the water at a rate of 200,000 gallons per day, which after a successful test, the remaining water was 99 percent clean of crude. There are currently 3 of the V20 centrifuges operational in the Gulf and BP has ordered 32 centrifuges from Ocean Therapy Solutions, the company co-founded by Costner.

Meanwhile, the Super Skimmer, a transformed oil spill tanker owned by TMT shipping of Taiwan and named “A Whale” has been sitting in the Gulf since July 1st. It is hopeful this super skimmer, at 1,100 feet long and 10 stories high, will be able to collect 21 million gallons of impure water per day as it enters through openings on the sides of the ship. The oily water will be transferred through a sequence of tanks that separate the oil and water, putting the oil in barrels onto another ship and pouring the water back into the sea.

Although tests were performed in Portugal where the oil spill tanker was transformed, rough seas and winds have detained testing of the skimmer in the Gulf. A spokesman for TMT shipping said the company and the U.S. Coast Guard plan to continue testing the ship “to make operational and technological adjustments aimed at improved skimming effectiveness given the actual conditions we are encountering in the Gulf.” The Super Skimmer and Kevin Costner’s centrifuges will add to the fleet of 500 that have already skimmed almost 25,000,000 gallons of the impure water from the sea since the rig exploded on April 20th.

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Question by Amanda: Does the Gulf of Mexico stay warm year around? When can you start going to the beach?
I’m going to Pensacola Florida for spring break and it’s on the Gulf of Mexico. Is it warm enough to go to the beach? Is the water freezing?

Best answer:

Answer by Drewbenski
Well I live on the beach down by st.pete and I wouldnt be in the water right now. However, I see tourist from up north who go in the surf. Last time I checked the surface water temp is 61.

The water is going to feel cold no matter who you are. I think a good comparison would be if you were to hop in a lake up north in the summer and be comfortable with the water then you may be fine in the gulf.

For locals, the beach season really doesnt begin till closer to memorial day when the water is at least 75.

What do you think? Answer below!

The Mexican Riviera is one of the most popular cruise destinations in the world. It has become famous for its pristine beaches that are set against stunning cliffs, coves, and verdant jungle landscapes. It is fast-becoming a Caribbean alternative as more and more ships traverse the region on a year-round basis, and more importantly, more and more tourists are attracted to this cruise destination.

To get to the Mexican Riviera, you would normally start the cruise in Los Angeles, or at times, in San Diego. Some of the cruise lines that offer Mexican cruises include Disney, Holland America, Silver Sea, Carnival, and Royal Caribbean. You can choose the length of your cruise from 5 to 11 days, depending on your schedule. This trip is ideal for family celebrations since the destinations are family-friendly, that is, there’s always something for everyone. Popular stop points of a Mexican cruise adventure are Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan, Cabo San Lucas, Acapulco, and Manzanillo

Acapulco is home to four lovely and popular beaches – Condesa, Los
Hornos, Caleta, and Caletilla. They offer a great variety of water sports and adventures. Acapulco is also famous for its La Quebrada, a cliff diving site. You could find yourself gasping with the crowd gathered above a cove of water where young men take breathtaking dives a steep cliffs. Unfortunately, tourists are not allowed to try the plunge for themselves. Those who are not into these kind of adventures, especially the ladies, can enjoy great deals on European designer clothes and perfume in Zona Dorado, a high-end shopping district.

Cabo San Lucas offers a wide array of fun activities. Their main attractions are the beaches where you can do scuba diving, parasailing, fishing, and other activities. You can also visit El Arco (The Arch) which is a rock formation in an area where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez. You can visit those rock formations to watch and listen to noisy sea lions. There is also a spot where you can do whale watching at specific months of the year.

For sports fishing enthusiast, Mazatlan is the place to be. This is also a place to munch some shrimp tacos and sip some beer. You can also visit the historic part of the city famous for its old cathedrals. Be sure also to take the Pulmonias, which are open-air taxis that climb the steep hillsides for perfect views of the Mazatlan bays and islands and a view of the legendary Sierra Madre mountain range.

Nightlife belongs to Puerto Vallarta. What’s also unique of Puerto Vallarta among other Mexican Riviera resorts are its lush tropical jungles, forests, and waterfalls. Some interesting activities in Puerto Vallarta include bungee jumping and zip lining. I had a blast on the zip line and recommend it to anyone who seeks adventure.

Question by annie98188: Have anyone been on the Norwegian Star cruise ship heading for the Mexican Riviera?
Have anyone been on the Norwegian Star cruise ship heading for the Mexican Riviera? I’m interested in going mid October, but not sure if it a good time and place to go?

Best answer:

Answer by kimmer727
I have been on the NCL Star – and did not like NCL at all.
We sailed to Alaska in May. We didn’t like the “free style” dining, and the food was simply horrible on the ship. We would not even eat at the buffet it was so bad.
We did sail Princess STAR to the Mexican Riviera and it was wonderful. There is alot of fun things to do at every stop. It is a fun cruise – but I would re-think NCL.

What do you think? Answer below!

Celebrate Thanksgiving Mexican-Style at Velas Resorts with Suite Upgrades and Much More

Bell City, MO (PRWEB) October 13, 2010

Suite upgrades, kids stay free, special Thanksgiving dinners, spa treatments and more are included this Thanksgiving at the luxury all-inclusive Velas Resorts in three top Mexican beach destinations.

From November 21-28, 2010, Velas Resorts in Riviera Maya, Riviera Nayarit and Puerto Vallarta offer guests varying Thanksgiving hotel packages that feature everything from special Thanksgiving dinners and family portraits to one 25 minute-massage or round of golf per person. Suite upgrades, up to two children 4 and under that stay and eat free, $ 50 spa credit, 60 minute guided Hydrotherapy Circuit per person, and roundtrip airport transportation are also available at the different resorts.

The Velas Resorts’ all-inclusive rates include suite accommodations, a la carte gourmet meals at a choice of specialty restaurants, premium branded beverages, 24 hr in-suite service, fitness center, kids’ club, evening entertainment, activities for adults and children, taxes and gratuities and more. All-inclusive thanksgiving packages start at $ 175 per person, per night, at Velas Vallarta, $ 225 per person, per night, at Casa Velas, $ 300 per person, per night, at Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit, and $ 371 per person, per night, at Grand Velas Riviera Maya. All rates are based on double occupancy and three-night minimum stay. For more information and reservations, please call Velas Resorts at 1-888-210-9591 or visit http://www.velasresorts.com.

About Velas Resorts:

Mexico’s all-inclusive Velas Resorts in Riviera Maya, Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit have earned 26 AAA Diamonds, including the prestigious Five Diamond Award. In addition, they’ve received numerous other esteemed international awards for their services and facilities, among them Virtuoso’s “Best Spa of the World”, Condé Nast Johansens’ “Most Excellent Resort” and the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences’ 5 Star Diamond Award. Casa Velas, a boutique adults-only hotel and ocean club located on the Marina Vallarta Golf Course, and Velas Vallarta, a family-friendly suite resort & convention center located on the Banderas Bay, are located in Puerto Vallarta. Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit is the only family-friendly all-inclusive in North America to receive the AAA Five Diamond and Grand Velas Riviera Maya is the latest and most sophisticated iteration of the ultra-luxury, all-inclusive resort experience with jungle and beach settings. Velas Resorts offer spacious luxury accommodations, world-class spas, a la carte gourmet cuisine at a selection of specialty restaurants, and an unparalleled hospitality experience.

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Now that Mexico finance is becoming so readily available, more people are choosing this option over using cash to finance their Mexico real estate transaction.

Most Mexican banks require a Migrant Visa (FM2) for a non-resident to obtain Mexico mortgages.

However, if there are bank statements to prove the financial situation at home, some also accept an FM3 (Non Migrant Visa). In other words, there is no need to be a Mexican citizen to get a loan from a Mexican bank.

And just because your property is in Mexico doesn’t mean you are restricted to Mexican banks. In fact, a property or home loan generated in Mexico is a little tougher than a loan generated in the US or Europe, where it is much easier to foreclose a deal in case of default.

In Mexico, the same process is very complicated and takes much longer. Therefore, additional precautions are taken.

Banks in the United States and Europe have used this chance to jockey for position in mortgage loans and started to offer so-called Cross-Border Mortgages, resulting in constantly growing amounts loaned for the purpose of property acquisition.

RE/MAX Investment Properties Mexico believes this trend will continue – to the benefit of buyers – and are always in touch with the latest movements on the bank market and set up the best possible mortgage plans for their clients with the best rates available.

With so many Mexico homes for sale, they collaborate with mortgage companies that offer special loan programs and real estate finance for Americans, Canadians and Europeans with terms of 3, 5 and 10 year Adjustable Rate Mortgages (ARM’s) or 30 year Fixed, no prepayment penalties.

The length of the loan can be anywhere from 5 to 30 years, and for most banks offering mortgages to foreign investors, the typical loan to value (LTV) amount is 80% to 90%. Also available are Full Documentation and Stated Income Loans.

RE/MAX Investment Properties Mexico work with a number of hand-picked, reputable companies that have been chosen for the benefits they offer the buyer. Buyers can even make a Mexico loan application online – there has never been an easier time to find Mexico finance.

Related Mexico Articles

Question by Kennedy: Mexico?????
We are going on a trip to Mexico and taking our 2 1/2 year old. The flight is 8 hours long, have you even taken your child on an 8 hour flight? Any helpful hints?
Any suggestions while in Mexico besides don’t drink the water?

Best answer:

Answer by Light Knight
Sun block
Hand Sanitizer
Toilet paper
You should be able to get these there but it is good to have some just in case.

Be sure that fruits and vegetables are not washed in water you would not drink.

Along the Pacific coast In Baja there are a lot of good little shops for fish and shrimp tacos.

Add your own answer in the comments!

Mexico’s tequila refines its act
(Mexico-AFP) – The spiked blue-green leaves of the agave plant are the telltale sign of tequila country in central Mexico, where production is booming.
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When talking to people about going to Tijuana for dental work, more and more the question arises, “Is it really safe to go to Mexico?” My answer is always YES! I feel quite at home in Tijuana, but like anywhere, you have to use common sense while traveling in Mexico.

I can understand the apprehension that some people have as they contemplate going into another country, where everything is strange and unknown. Then when you hear bad things on the news, it can make it even more frightening. While the decision of whether or not to cross South of the border into Tijuana is the responsibility of each individual, I would like to answer a few questions to try to put things into perspective, as well as give a few tips on how to travel more safely in Mexico, or any foreign country, or even into any Metropolitan down town area of the USA.

Click here to see a youtube testimony about safety in Tijuana

To answer the question, “Is it dangerous in Mexico?” Not if you use common sense! The folks at Sam Dental Tijuana were very helpful to me. Here is what I have learned from them, and after several trips, I can say that yes, I feel safe!

 Don’t be fearful when you hear negative reports on the news. Keep in perspective that the news agencies look for any incident that will grab headlines. The problem is that news reports often give an exaggerated view and can distort reality. Not to dismiss out of hand the reports one hears, because we always need to be careful and vigilant, but the truth is there are a lot of incidents that happen everyday in certain parts of every large US city that never gets reported because they are so common. Everyday in San Diego and Los Angeles, or New York, or Miami, or Denver, or Dallas, or in Washington D.C., it is common for someone to get mugged or robbed, or found dumped in an alley, so common that it doesn’t grab the attention of the news hounds anymore. So what I am trying to say is that yes, you need to be careful while traveling in Mexico, or Tijuana, but also you need to be careful walking in downtown L.A., or San Diego. Don’t let rumors or news reports, that are attempting to grab headlines by focusing attention on bad things, exaggerate the dangers and frighten you. Just be cautious, and you’ll be alright. Remember, literally 100’s of thousands of people cross over into Tijuana from the USA every month without incident.

I have traveled into Mexico dozens and dozens of times. I have been very often to Tijuana, Juarez, Reynosa, and other border towns. I have also been in many Latin American countries, and have lived for several years in South America. I have NEVER had an incident where I felt in danger. However, I used to live in Denver working for the cable company, and have been threatened with bodily injury and have felt very intimidated on several occasions. I even had to call the police in order to complete my work in someone’s back yard because they had threatened to shoot me when I went to shut their cable off!! I feel safer in Mexico, than in certain areas of Denver. And what is Denver compared to L.A.? Or Washington D.C., or Miami?

Tips for Safe Travel.

1. Be discrete. Never flash a lot of money. Keep the majority of your cash hidden in a front pocket that you can zip or button down. Just keep a limited amount of cash in your wallet. Also keep your passport, drivers license, and credit card hidden in another front pocket. It would be good to keep those documents together with a rubber band or a money clip. Also, don’t bring all your credit cards with you, just bring one or two, that way if you loose it, you will know which one to report lost.

2. Walk over and take a Taxi rather than drive over. Unless you are planning to stay for several days, and would like to site see, it takes a lot of stress off to not to have to keep an eye on your car, or to have to maneuver in Mexico traffic. I always hate been stuck in the long line to cross back into the USA. It is liberating to just leave the car parked in the USA and let a taxi take you to your dental appointment. If you do drive over, NEVER leave valuables, like your camera or purse, in plain site in the car seat. If you do, you might be inviting a break in. That is not just true in Mexico! Also, if you drive in, make sure you keep your vehicle locked, and ALWAYS put a manual locking device, like the “Club”, on your steering wheel. At Sam Dental in Tijuana, they have off street parking that is secure, but it is still a good idea to use a locking device.

3. Keep your night life to a minimum If you are concerned about safety, remember that not only in Tijuana, but in L.A. as well, most crimes are committed late at night. Common sense is a must!

I enjoy traveling in Mexico, and I love the atmosphere and culture. Aside from the tremendous savings I have experienced getting dental and medical procedures done, I have love it in Mexico, and I plan on retiring there in a few years. I feel that it is safe to go to Tijuana. But, the truth is, just like in any large metropolis in the USA, it pays to be cautious and vigilant. You will have a good experience, just like the 10’s of thousands of people who cross the border every day without incident. Don’t be fearful, just keep your eyes open, and you’ll be fine.

Question by Sherri H: We are a young NZ couple wanting to travel through Mexico.Is there a website that we can join to meet others?
We want to start in LA and drive down to Mexico stopping at Vegas on the way. Is there a travel website or something similar where you can meet others who are planning on doing something similar so that you could perhaps convoy together? I hear its way safer to travel Mexico in a group so would love to meet others who are wanting to do this as well. Thanks

Best answer:

Answer by Hearty
I guess the best best is to search for Mexico in Yahoo Groups. You can join a group like Mazinfo and post your question there.

Mazinfo is a yahoo group for traveller’s interested in Mazatlan and very informative, They may be able to give you some info.

Give your answer to this question below!