If you do a good job planning your vacation, the time you actually spend in Mexico will be that much better. You don't have to make a strict itinerary for every day you're there, but having a loose idea of where you want to go can help you make the most of your trip. Planning is also important because you want to be prepared with the right clothes and the right travel necessities.

Getting Organized

• Check the weather a couple days before you go to make sure you bring the right clothes. Watch out for rainy or hurricane seasons.


• Write, or better yet, type out a list of all the things you want to bring...clothes, toiletries, CAMERA, snorkeling gear, etc. Check things off as you pack.


• Don't forget your PASSPORT! It is now mandatory for all travelers crossing the border to provide their passport.


• Bring medicine for air sickness and traveler's upset stomach.

Make an Itinerary

• Research your main destination and familiarize yourself with the area. This way, you will know what to expect in terms of the people, the environment and safety issues.*


• Think about and/or research any activities or places that you really want to see or do. Write these down.


• Take into consideration how far away each location is and how long each of these things take so you don't run out of time!


• Consider using on online service such as TripAdvisor, TravBuddy, or Tripit to help create an itinerary and organize all your travel info.

*This About.com article has some great tips on travel safety. Check it out: Mexico Travel Safety Tips

Amongst the many upscale hotels and resorts in Mexico, the Pueblo Bonito family is my favorite. It is definitely luxurious, relaxing and has great pools and spa treatments. They have hotels in Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta.

Here's the inside info (from their website):

Experience world-class service and warm hospitality when you discover any one of our seven luxury resorts in Mexico, each overlooking a breathtaking expanse of shoreline, beach and sea. Luxurious comfort, incredible cuisine, state-of-the-art spa and fitness facilities, and a wide variety of activities all await you. Come visit us. Stay a while. True to the Mexican saying, "mi casa es su casa", in Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta or Cabo San Lucas, our home is your home.

You can visit the Mexico Travel Blog to get more info about vacationing luxuriously at any of the lovely Pueblo Bonito resorts. The blog also includes guides and tips on how to plan an awesome Mexico vacation, which is really helpful.

An ideal vacation to Mexico heavily depends on where you go. Sure, Cabo is one of the most popular vacation spots but is it right for you? Think about what kind of vacation you'd like to have, then explore all the options Mexico has to offer. Here are a few tips on what kind of atmosphere you can expect in different regions:

Los Cabos - Touristy, place to go for the classic luxury hotel and beach experience.

Puerto Vallarta - beautiful views, great weather. Touristy but quaint, Puerto Vallarta used to be a small fishing village but has since turned into a posh hot spot with a multitude of activities from golf to hot air ballooning - great place for the active traveler.

Mazatlan - the "Golden Zone" is a tourist hot spot with many hotels. Mazatlan is also known for a lively nightlife and younger crowd, however, there is opportunity for cultural and historic exploration in the traditional neighborhoods outside the resort area.

Cancun - quintessential location for spring breakers and partying, but also boasts luxury resorts and great shopping.

Acapulco - has a reputation for being a vacation spot for the rich and famous, very luxurious with beautiful beaches.

Cozumel - tropical island experience for cruisers and nature lovers (largest island of the Mexican Caribbean). Ideal place for snorkeling and scuba diving as there are colorful reefs and sunken ships.

Ixtapa - quaint, local and friendly, but also a resort area with comfortable hotels and good food. Excellent place for fishing and eco tours.

Guadalajara - good place for nature tours and a more cultural experience, less tourists, has many historic buildings, has become a favorite for foreign vacationers and retirees.

Here is a map of Mexico, so you can see where each of these locations are located. The starred points on the map are the Pueblo Bonito resort locations:

Cabo:
Los Cabos
Sunset Beach
Pacifica Holistic Retreat & Spa
Rose

Mazatlan:
Mazatlan Resort & Spa
Emerald Bay

Puerto Vallarta/Neuvo Vallarta:
Samba Vallarta All-Inclusive Resort

Traveling to Mexico can be expensive, especially if you want to go the resort route. However, there are ways to save and still have a fabulous trip. Listed below are some helpful hints on what to look for and how to save when staying at a luxury resort in Mexico. It's easier than you think!

• Look for package deals with flight and hotel together.


• Be aware of seasonal rates - early Fall and right after Christmas are usually good times to find lower rates because it's after peak visiting season. For example, Pueblo Bonito lower rates run from September to December.


• Look for promotional discounts on resorts - many resorts offer a discount, so keep checking back with their web site. In the same vein, don't underestimate last minute travel deals! Hotels and airlines need to fill up those rooms and seats so you could get a great deal.


• Make a budget - If you really want to make sure you don't go overboard, establish ball park figures for how much you can spend on different areas (dining out, special activities, shopping, emergency money, etc.)


• Try the local food - instead of dining in an expensive restaurant every night, try some of the local taco stands and local food. It's delicious, authentic, and a great way to learn about Mexican culture.


• If you don't want to spend a lot on food, eating a healthy breakfast will keep you full longer. Also, take advantage of lunch specials. Alternatively, you can bring your own food to snack on while you're staying at the resort or while you're sightseeing.


• Ride the bus - if you plan to travel within Mexico, the bus is an affordable way to get around to see the sights.


• Research and plan low cost activities - some of the best activities in Mexico are very low cost or free. Of course plan to lounge on the beach, tour the city, visit museums and do lots of sightseeing.


• Be familiar with the exchange rate so you know how much you're spending when shopping.

The Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach in Los Cabos is situated on the western side of the tip of Baja, overlooking the Pacific. Set away from the concentration of hotels along the Sea of Cortes, the resort's 50-acre site and expansive private beach provides guests with a uniquely tranquil and secluded setting.

As you pass through its gates and gaze upon the endless stretch of pristine coastline, you will know that something special lies ahead. Bathed in light from sunrise to sunset, this refuge of luxury is the ultimate destination for romance and seclusion.

Armonia Spa at Pueblo Bonito Pacifica is a peaceful sanctuary by the sea, dedicated to total wellness. Our philosophy embraces the concept of wholeness-guided by the holistic theme of treating body, mind and spirit as one. Coupled with all the facets of a luxury resort from excellent dining to Zen inspired suites, Pueblo Bonito Pacifica is the ideal place to truly relax.

NOTE: Pueblo Bonito Pacifica is a strictly Non-Smoking resort.

Escape for an unforgettable getaway to Mazatlán's exciting Golden Zone, where new discoveries abound in this idyllic 400-year-old city. Authentic Mexican style unites with modern amenities; each suite at the Pueblo Bonito Mazatlán comes with an ocean view and amenities to meet your every expectation.

Listen to the sound of waterfalls, relax amidst the tropics around a choice of two, crystal clear pools, walk one of the longest stretches of beach in Latin America, sport fish, play golf, tennis, or any number of nearby water activities. At the Pueblo Bonito Mazatlán, elegance, fine cuisine, and your choice to do everything or nothing at all, awaits.

Los Cabos
La Nao (pictured)- a beautiful resort setting makes La Nao a great choice for breakfast, lunch or dinner. The restaurant features Mexican fusion cuisine, champagne Sunday brunch, and festive theme nights.

Frida - gourmet Mexican and Latin American cuisine. Frida is an excellent mix of relaxing beach atmosphere, traditional Mexican flavors and contemporary upscale dining. The restaurant features a beautiful ocean view, decadent menu items and an award-winning sommelier.

Nick-San - enjoy sushi at sunset at this highly regarded Japanese restaurant. Not only is it home to some of the best sushi in Cabo, you can expect excellent service. Nick-San is definitely upscale and you may even catch a glimpse of a celebrity!

Mazatlan
Cilantro's - this popular restaurant lets you experience oceanfront dining at its best. Fresh seafood dishes as well as international cuisine are offered at this unforgettable beach setting. If you are looking for upscale dining in Mazatlan, this is the ideal place!

Angelo's - located in the Pueblo Bonito Mazatlan resort, this restaurant is an idyllic spot for a romantic evening. Excellent Northern Italian and international dishes and an extensive wine list are gracefully paired with ambient piano music, creating the perfect atmosphere for a special night out.

Puerto Vallarta
La Palapa - consistently included in Vallarta Lifestyles Magazine's Platinum Dining Guide, La Palapa is a sophisticated beachside restaurant featuring gourmet international food. Everything at La Palapa is top notch from the food and drinks to the service. Private ocean-edge romantic dinners are also available.">

Popular Cabo activities:

Horseback Riding
Golf
Sport fishing
ATV Riding
Local Shopping
Surfing
Wakeboarding
Snorkeling and Scuba Diving
Resort Bars and Clubs
Beach Beds
Gourmet Cooking Classes
Eco Tours

Nightclubs
Zoo Bar & Dance - this zoo-inspired Cabo San Lucas nightclub is a favorite for those who want to vacation in style.

Cabo Wabo Cantina - one of the most famous Cabo hot spots, this bar is the place to be for a party that lasts all night.

El Squid Roe - also a Cabo legend, El Squid Roe is a lively three floors of great dance music, strong drinks and lots of people.

Mazatlan is known for its sizzling nightlife and is an attraction for spirited vacationers. Gringo Lingo and Joe's Oyster Bar (located on located on Ave Rodolfo Loaiza) are the two most well-known bars in Mazatlan.

Golfing is as popular as ever this summer in Cabo, and if you're planning on vacationing there, some excellent golf courses are right at your fingertips. To help guide you to the course that best suits you, we've outlined the premier courses in the Cabo area. The courses are ideal for golfing veterans and beginners alike.

Golf enthusiasts can tee off at a string of signature championship golf courses including the "Pebble Beach of Baja" at Los Cabos Corridor. Imagine jet-setting off to Mexico and staying at a luxury resort perfectly positioned near courses designed by Jack Nicklaus, Pete Dye, Robert Trent Jones and Tom Weiskopf where three PGA Senior Slams have been hosted. It's the ideal vacation.

The "Ocean Course" at Cabo Del Sol
This par 72 course at Cabo del Sol is a Jack Nicklaus signature course and is part of a planned complex of three courses. Nicklaus calls the 16th, 17th and 18th holes of the "Ocean Course" the three greatest finishing holes in golf. The course is situated at Playa Barco Varado, about halfway between San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas.

Palmilla Golf Club
The Palmilla Golf Club is another Jack Nicklaus course and is 27 holes altogether - the "Mountain 9%u2033, the "Arroyo 9," and the new "Ocean 9." Golfers are given spectacular views of the Sea of Cortes from almost every hole.

Cabo Real
Cabo Real is an 18-hole, par 72 championship layout by the beach designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr. It plays 6,945 yards and is definitely not for short hitters. Almost every hole has a wonderful view of the Sea of Cortes, with the 15th right on the beach. With four tees per hole, the course provides plenty of hardships for the low-handicap player, yet can be fun for the average golfer.

Cabo San Lucas Country Club
A Pete Dye course awaits you overlooking Land's End, with waste deep bunkers, subtle terracing and water all part of the drama, as well as a 607-yard, par five, the longest golf hole in Mexico.

The "Desert Course" at Cabo Del Sol
This masterful Tom Weiskopf design features an inland layout that takes advantage of the incredible natural surroundings. A unique combination of desert and ocean, canyon-like arroyos and a variety of desert foliage create a breathtaking backdrop. With ocean views from every hole, the course varies in length from 4,810 to 7,097 yards.

The four Pueblo Bonito luxury hotels in Cabo near these golf courses are Pacifica, Los Cabos, Sunset Beach and Rose.

Mexico is pretty warm year round, so winter coats won't ever be necessary. However, there is a rainy season so make sure to check weather reports when planning your Mexico vacation.

Other tips for what to wear include:

• While the days are quite hot in the summer, a light sweater or jacket is a good idea for the evenings.


• Bring sandals and walking shoes. If you're planning on doing a lot of walking or sightseeing, a sturdy pair of walking shoes will save your feet - the roads can be a bit rough.


• Pack light. Try hard to stick to only the essentials. You don't want to get overwhelmed with too many items and you don't want to leave anything behind.


• Think about what activities you plan to do and bring the appropriate attire (ex: nightlife, a nice dinner, a nature walk, etc.)

Mexico Fashion
A fashion scene in Mexico? Why, yes. These notable designers are causing quite a stir with their interesting and inspiring collections. Top Mexican fashion designers include Marvin & Quetzal, Paola Hernandez, Ricardo Seco, Te Amo and Julia & Renata, all featured at Mexico Fashion Week in April of '08.

Want to be fashion forward on your vacation to Mexico? Take a look at these pictures of the latest styles on the runways in Mexico.

Fashion Week Mexico, Designer: Paola Hernandez

Fashion Week Mexico, Designer: Julia y Renata

For more pictures from Fashion Week Mexico, visit www.FashionWeek.com

For more pictures of fashion in Mexico, visit Diario de Fiestas

A family trip to Mexico can fabulous and fun if you choose the right activities and the right hotel. Many resorts have kids clubs and family activities specially designed for those who want to bring the whole family along for a luxurious vacations.

At Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach and Samba Vallarta the daytime program includes many fun activities for all ages, such as: arts & crafts, pool & beach games, movies & indoor games, breakfast & lunch and more.

For a full schedule of activities, click here.