​The Lead Up
I packed my bag and brought a few masks and shields to help protect me. I decided to only use a carry on so I wouldn't have to check it at the counter. I didn't want to be surrounded by people standing in line.
When I got to the airport, I looked for the security line. I have Pre-Check where there was only a 2 minute wait. However, for those of you who don't have pre-check, expect a long wait. My friend that was with me didn't get pre-check and she waited in line for at least 30 minutes. It seemed like they weren't giving free pre-check to anyone.
Security has also changed. At some airports I have to pull out my computer, even with pre-check, when going through security. It didn't happen this time. It seemed like not all the security lines had the technology for this. I guess I just lucked out.

There were no bells or buzzers as I went through the screen process. It was nice and smooth.
I have to say that I have been on another trip since Mexico, later in March, and the airport was more crowded. I think as more people get vaccinated, the airports will be more crowded. I had a stop in Dallas Fort Worth and my flight took off at 10 pm. There were a lot of people traveling at that time. The gates in my area were full and people were coming and going often.

I flew Sun Country and it was not crowded. The plane may have been half full on the way there and back. I feel like Sun Country's exchange policy may have something to do with that. They charge a full change fee if you make a change within 7 days of your flight. Lots of people don't want to take the risk with the possibility of having to quarantine before they come back.

​Checking In
When we arrived at our resort, we had to have masks on in the lobby. I was very grateful that people were being vigilant. You didn't have to wear a mask in the pool area or on the beach. Even when we went downtown, people were wearing masks on the street.

Resort Atmosphere
Our resort was only occupied 30%, but some of the beaches were crowded. It looked like it was a lot of local people. Also, we took a city tour and the excursion was 80% Mexicans. However, we booked a drive through the mountains to the city of Talpa. We lucked out and had our own private tour.

One of the things I really enjoy when I travel, is meeting people. There were still plenty of people to talk too. Even though there were a lot of vacant rooms, there was still an energy around the resort that was very pleasant. The resort had a welcome party and a Mexican fiesta with lots of dancing and singing. The si restaurants were all open, but some nights one or two of them were closed. The resort next door seemed to have a wedding every night. We were treated to their fireworks as we sat outdoors eating dinner.

The time at the resort went by fast. We couldn't believe it was time to get our COVID tests already. We were the first ones scheduled for the day, so no waiting line. The results were ready later in the afternoon.
I was very happy to have left the cold environment of Minnesota for a well needed vacation in Puerto Vallarta. The people are very friendly, lots of things to do, and the sun was amazing. I really enjoyed the 7:00 sunsets every evening.
​

​Excursions
One of the events we went on was a Yelapa and Majahuitas Adventure. It was a day long activity starting at the marina. We left the dock around 9 am a cruised to Majahuitas Beach. As we sailed there we saw dolphins and beautiful rock formations. It was a true day in paradise including a secluded beach surrounded by palm trees and turquoise waters,snorkeling, kayaking, banana boating and paddle boarding!  On the way, we even spotted whales. After our beach experience we sailed to Yelapa where we walked through the quaint town to nice waterfalls. After returning, we enjoyed the beach where we saw severl people wind surfing. It was only $40 for a nice ride. On the way back to Puerto Vallarta we were entertained by the crew with lively songs and dance. It couldn't have been better.

​Book Now
We had a great time, made friends, and enjoyed the sunshine. Remember, an adventure a day keeps the doctor away. Now is the time to book your dream trip. Usually you only need to put down around $200/person for the deposit and pay the remainder 60 days before the trip. Most companies are very flexible since COVID in regard to changing dates. Let me know if you'd like help planning a trip.  E-mail [email protected]
​Judy Peterson, Travel Advisor

It was my first trip since the pandemic started back in March of 2020.  I couldn't have picked a better spot than the warm, friendly town of Puerto Vallarta. As soon as we arrived, the sun hit our faces and we felt like we were in paradise.  If you want nice beaches, friendly people, fresh food, a variety of activities at an economical price, Puerto Vallarta is the place to go. The resort we stayed at was only occupied at 30%, but things are picking up. You have very few lines to wait in.

Today I'll start my story about our excursion to Mascota and Talpa, small towns in the hills outside of Puerto Vallarta.  For the next few days, enjoy my stories about the trip.

Today we took a trip to Talpa and Mascota. These are beautiful little towns that are nestled in the fertile valleys of the Sierra Madre Mountains. Be prepared for a a windy drive.

As we were driving up the mountain we stopped at the Hacienda San Sebastian Distillery. It was not too early for a sample of their Almond Tequila. Tequila comes in all flavors including chocolate, coffee, and Recces Pieces. While in Mexico, we visited three different distilleries. The dessert tequilas were my favorite.

Mascota is known as the land of deer and snakes. It is located between Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta. We visited the town square and market where you can enjoy the tasty treats and local products. They have a 100 year old church called Nuestra Senora de Los Dolores. The construction started in 1905 and remains incomplete to this day as a result of the Mexican Revolution. The square right outside the church is beautiful with flowers, gazebo, and benches. We stopped at the Navidad restaurant that I highly recommend. Fresh food with authentic Mexican spices made me think I was in heaven. I had the grilled beefsteak. It came with beans, salad, vegetables, taco chips, salsa, and guacamole for $5. It is a small quaint city, that brings back memories of old Mexico. One town wall was painted with a lovely mural of the history of the area. There is also a volcano 3 miles Northeast of the city.

We also visited a monastery that was never completed. The grounds are beautiful and the history behind the monastery interesting. There was a tunnel built so that people could escape underground, but it lead to a hacienda where the bad guys were waiting for them. They were all executed when they arrived.

​Talpa is world famous for its pilgrimages to the stately church, Basilica de Nuestra Senora del Rosario Talpa, that shelters the beloved Virgen del Rosairo. During the plague of 1660 many people died. After putting their faith in her, have seen miracles. During the plague many people banned together and petitioned the Virgin for relief from the plague and within three days they received what they asked for, no more people died and no more sickness in the land. Families walk for two or three days to reach the church. On the way there are small chapels to pray. Many people make the pilgrimage to ask for help or give thanks to the Virgin for prayers answered. Many people claim that their lives have been completely transformed by prayers to her or just by making the trip to see her.

​The It's also known for its majestic landscapes and kind, welcoming people. The streets are cobblestone and you are sure to get a massage as you drive to the church, which is located in the main square of town. The square is surrounded by many shops with great deals. I thought the best deals were on candy, gum (made into cute baskets and flowers), sandals, and T-shirts. Talpa is known as the Mexican Willie Wonka. They are known for their candy. Queen Elizabeth made a trip to Talpa in 1983 when she was in Mexico. 

I recommend this trip if you want to learn more about the culture of Mexico and if you want to make the pilgrimage to the Basilica in Talpa.   

For more information contact [email protected]

​We love going to all-inclusive resorts. We know what our price is up front and there are endless activities at most of the resorts including everything from biking to kayaking, scuba lessons, ping pong, great shows, language lessons, water activities, and casino nights. With everything packaged into one price there is no room for stressing about money, and most of the planning is done by the resort. Below are a few insights about how to make the most of your all-inclusive vacation.

1. Pick the right resort. There are many to choose from including family-orientated to adults only.
   Make sure it is close to a beach, if that is important to you and has the number of restaurants and type of entertainment you enjoy.
2. Be realistic about your expectations. Yes, it is all inclusive, but you get what you pay for. If you are looking for a bargain vacation, don't expect a fancy resort. Staying at an all-inclusive resort means that the food, drinks, and gratuities are included. However, there are several amenities that usually are extra including spa, specialty dining, and some water activities, including scuba diving.
3. The better you treat the staff, the better they will serve you. Do you need help finding a great shopping area? You'll get plenty of help if you treat the staff with respect. Also, gratuities are included, but it pays to tip a little extra. The bartenders at the swim up pool with give you better service as well as the waiters in the dining areas.
4. Be careful with the amount of food and drink you consume. It is easy to go to the bar or restaurant at almost any time and get something to eat or drink, but you'll be kicking yourself later with your weight gain. Be wise with food selections. Several all-inclusives have wonderful restaurants. Make is a special vacation by treating yourself to lunch and dinner at the finest eateries.
5. Be ready for the unexpected. You might have to make dinner reservations at a specialty restaurant, but the time you wanted is already taken. You'll need to be flexible. Also call in advance to make reservations as early as possible. Some resorts don't require reservations as the the RIUs, but most do. Or, your room may not be exactly what you expected. You can always ask the hotel to change rooms, but you may have only paid for a garden view when you really wanted an ocean view. If it is low season, you might be able to get an upgrade, but in high season, don't expect it.
6. Don't sign up for a time share presentation. They usually last a couple of hours and this is taking special time away from a relaxed, low pressure vacation. Most of the time share presentations are high pressure and can leave you with a bad feeling. If someone calls you with a really low vacation deal over the phone, always ask if you are required to listen to a time share presentation. Listen carefully as they answer. I've had several people say, “No,” and then when they are reading the final disclaimers, they say the words, “time share presentation.” Those are the words that trigger a No Deal to my answer.  

There are several winter get-away deals right now to choose from.  We can help you find a vacation that fits your style. http://www.PetersonTravelPros.com 

​Mexico City, welcomes more than 12.5 million visitors a year and is one of the hottest travel destinations for 2016. The reason is that is has more than 150 museums, 100 contemporary local art galleries and 30 distinct architectural and historic sites, as well as a host of trending arts, culture and culinary hotspots.

Accessible
It’s easily accessible through ample direct flights from the U.S. Relatively short flight from major U.S. gateways (a little more than two hours from Houston, 3.5 hours from Los Angeles and just over five hours from New York), makes

Culture
Mexico City is large, extending to more than 16 boroughs with more than 300 neighborhoods, making it impossible to see everything in one visit, so, we’ve come up with some high points for your urban-oriented clients, depending on their special interests.
The Zocalo is a good place to start. It is the main plaza in the heart of the historic city center. It is bordered by the Cathedral to the north, the National Palace (where several murals by Diego Rivera reside) to the east, the Federal District buildings to the south and the Old Portal de Mercaderes to the west. Just outside the Zocalo is the Templo Mayor site, an ancient Aztec pyramid site that was discovered just beneath the pavement of the Zocalo. For the best views, visit the Porrua library. There’s a rooftop cafe here that overlooks the site, giving guests a bird’s-eye view of the discovery.

​Museums
The Soumaya Museum is known for its collection of more than 66,000 pieces of art.Arts and Culture.
Must-sees include the National Museum of Anthropology, which houses Aztec ruins from pre-colonial Mexico City and is a jewel of Mexican architecture by Pedro Ramírez Vázquez, and the Soumaya Museum, another architectural gem known for its collection of more than 66,000 pieces of art, mostly European works from the 15th to the 20th centuries, as well as Mexican art, religious relics and historical documents and coins.
Skip the long lines at Casa Azul and head to the somewhat lesser-known Casa Estudio Diego Rivera y Frida Kahlo..
Contemporary art abounds in establishments such as Museo Rufino Tamayo in Chapultepec Park, and Museo Jumex, which houses one of the largest private contemporary art collections in Latin America. For fine arts, the imposing, domed Palacio de las Bellas Artes is seven blocks west of the Zocalo and next to the Alameda Central Park. Edgier art galleries, such Kurimanzutto, LABOR and Bikini Wax may appeal to others.

Food
There are many new restaurants such as Havre 77 from Chef Eduardo García of Máximo and the Milan 44 food hall are revitalizing the emerging Juárez neighborhood. Mercado San Juan, in the downtown historic center, is a food market that sells everything from fresh fruits and produce to grasshoppers, goats, fish and pork. This is a truly authentic experience. Travelers wind their way through the stalls to see local farmers and fishermen hawking their wares to chefs and locals.
Street food is at the heart of Mexico City’s culinary scene, and top chefs such as Pujol’s Enrique Olvera are known for reinventing traditional street dishes to put on their high-end menus. A tour with Club Tengo Hambre or Eat Mexico to discover some of the city’s best-tasting curbside tacos, tortas and tamales is suggested.

Shopping and Design.
Fashion designers have set up shops in the hip Condesa and Roma neighborhoods, where boutiques abound with trendy clothing from Mexican designers. Traditional markets show off Mexican handicrafts. Bargain hunters can find inexpensive artisanal goods from all over the country at La Ciudadela, El Bazaar Sábado and La Lagunilla. Those with deeper pockets may wish to browse the boutique home decor shops at the upscale Polanco enclave and showrooms such as Studio Roca, Onora Casa and BLEND.

Don't forget Madero Street at Centro, a pedestrian area that has everything from well-known brand stores for clothing and shoes to small flea markets, plus restaurants with beautiful terraces.

Travel Agent Central  6/21/16  David Moseber

One of the most fun dinners we had while we were in Cancun was at the Black Hole at the Oasis.  This is a dinner in the dark. They don’t let you book a reservation if you have a food allergy.  There are black lights so you can see the waiter’s hands.  This is not only a tasting experience but songs and entertainment.  The two hour experience started with drinks.  Then we went to snacks.  I couldn’t believe that Mark identified the Rose Petals.  I am happy to say all the foods were very tasty.   The main entrees of seafood and meats were quite small, but with 27 courses, you don’t need much for each one.  I highly recommend you try dining in the dark if you are adventuresome.
Call us for more information.  612-559-6545

Cruises and All-Inclusive Resorts are very good values. However, if you get sea-sick, stick to the all-inclusive resort.  Below is a comparison chart of the two options. 

Hotels in the Caribbean are faced with a clean-up of Sargassum.  We visited the Riviera Maya last year and the problem was evident.  Large masses of seaweed washed on shore daily.  Hotel crews had a daily ritual of burying the unsightly seaweed. 

On Barbados’ east coast, hotels are providing complimentary transportation to west coast beaches for the day.Sandals, which recently opened its Barbados resort on the island’s south coast, cleans its beach every morning. Because of this effort, operations are running normally, with the beach open and all watersports activities uninterrupted.

Sargassum is a nonissue for Sandals’ resorts in the Bahamas, Turks and Caicos and Antigua.

Martinique’s Atlantic coast has been hard hit. The island’s Regional Council has spent $2.2 million on sargassum cleanup, and over 100 volunteers work with public works staff to clear affected areas.
http://www.PetersonTravelPros.com

Bachelor in Paradise kicks off in a two-night event on the nights of August 2nd and 3rd. It is filmed at Playa Escondida (Hidden Beach). This resort, is a secret gem of the Riviera Nayarit coast and a nature and beach lover’s wonderland.  

The show was taped in the Riviera Nayarit and Puerto Vallarta as a result of the efforts of the Mexico Tourims Board, and will be hosted at Hotel Playa Escondida in Sayulita.

Riviera Nayarit has a lot to offer anyone..  It is a tropical wonder whose Pacific coastline stretches for almost 200 miles, and whose southern border unfolds just 10 minutes north of the Puerto Vallarta International Airport and whose northern border unfolds just 40 minutes west of the Tepic International Airport.

Riviera Nayarit Mexico provides a backdrop of intense skies, emerald mountains, abundant vegetation and endless beautiful golden beaches for an unforgettable Mexico vacation experience.

Ninety percent of the year is met with bright rays of sunshine, creating the ideal environment for the growth of exuberant flora that take on intense colorful hues and beautifully paint the land.

On every beach, in every little Pacific Coast town, Mexico’s lush vegetation, the extraordinary animal species and the beauty of nature will leave you totally awed.

In the northern part of the Riviera Nayarit, salt water and fresh water become one as they feed into numerous estuaries, lagoons and the National Marshes.

The National Marshes and mangroves serve as a sanctuary for Mexico’s migratory birds, crocodiles and other species. Farther inland is the Sierra de Vallejo State Biosphere Reserve, a tropical mountain range home to jaguars, wild boars and parrots, resplendent with elephant ear, amate and mahogany trees.

The San Juan State Biosphere Reserve is impressive with its fragrant forests lining the base of the San Juan and Sangagüey volcano. All of these natural Mexico wonders are just a glimpse of what you will find in the Riviera Nayarit – the tropical paradise full of luxury, fun and comforts that eagerly awaits your arrival, and will exceed your wildest vacation expectations.

Don’t just watch Bachelor in Paradise, start planning your own  vacation to the Riviera Nayarit and Puerto Vallarta.  Call Peterson Travel Pros, 612-559-6545 to help you plan your trip.