Just coming back from a wonderful trip to Puerto Vallarta, I have decided that a tropical vacation is good for the “soul.” It is important to take the time to get out of the daily routine.

What different “to do” list you find yourself doing:

* Open the window or balcony so the surf can put you to sleep every night.

* Apply plenty of sunscreen (don’t forget the tops of your feet).

* Relax, enjoy.

* Make time for the sunset every day.

* Spend time with your partner.

* Practice your foreign language skills … Hello, Good morning, etc.

* Read a couple of good books.

* Enjoy a refreshing drink in the pool.

* Take the time to chat with the locals.

* Make sure to exercise … walk on the beach, enjoy a bike ride, boogie board, explore the city.

* If you forget one or two … don’t worry.

It had been almost 20 years since we last visited Puerto Vallarta and I think we return as better and smarter tourists. With a better understanding of the culture, acceptance of poverty, and a more laid-back attitude, we truly enjoyed the hospitality of Mexico.

It was a vacation of experiences; go kayaking while a group of dolphins swim by; You can’t get over that! Have a great laugh while catching a wave on the surfboard. People-watching, families enjoy each other’s company and romantic couples stroll along the beach. Enjoying a couple dancing the night away with the Mariachi Band as they celebrated 50 years of marriage (she 73 and he 83). We had a great time using the local transport (buses), it was easy and very inexpensive, they even serenaded us on one particular trip. We enjoyed an adventurous trip to Yelapa, south of Puerto Vallarta (Andy James says it’s like a visit to “Gilligan’s Island”), only accessible by boat. Here, local women sell amazing cakes by the slice; We tried the lemon meringue and coconut cream, we are still dreaming of them (delicious!). We spent an afternoon in Punta Mita (it’s as far north as the bus will take you) here you can watch the surfers ride the waves, or just enjoy a relaxed day on a beautiful white sand beach. Our best meal was at “La Palapa” where the fish was amazing and the table-side Mexican coffee was a fun treat.

It’s such an easy trip to Mexico through Apple Vacations, on a plane and three hours later you’re there, no connections, no long trips. We stayed for 7 nights which worked out well; It allowed us to really get into the holiday mood and gave us the time we needed to enjoy each day. Being a good travel agent, I felt it was best to stay at two very different properties. Club Marival located in Nuevo (Nuevo) Vallarta north of the city, you can walk for miles along the beach, there always seemed to be a nice breeze and the boogie boarding here was a kick. It is a large all-inclusive resort that always has something to do, ideal for families of all ages. They have several pools, one of which was ideal for children with slides and other fun water toys. We found the food and drinks to be moderate by standards, there was always plenty of it. Our room was clean but small with no view; The location was easy to access to the beach, pool, and all restaurants. They have a disco for those who want to party all night.

Then we moved to the Inter-Continental Presidente in the south of the city, a small and intimate hotel where each room is facing the beach with a balcony, overlooking a quiet cove. This hotel is old and was built in a time when hotels were more of an art form, the room was very big and comfortable, but sometimes the smells were a bit offensive (you know those older hotels). It is also an all inclusive, the meals were delicious, the service was amazing, all the staff were very attentive and friendly. This hotel is ideal for couples or families who want a quiet location. The old saying rings true: you get what you pay for.

Overall, we had a great time and we recommend a vacation for the “soul” to everyone.