All About Mexico Blog

Take a Tour of 6 Great Destinations in Mexico

2012-01-03T12:41:00.002-08:00

by Helen Pritchard

Join Helen Pritchard as she tours 6 great destinations in Mexico. Whether you are looking for a beach vacation or want to take a trip to explore Mexico’s rich culture and historic locations, the destinations Helen highlights are sure to deliver.

Take a trip to romantic Cabo San Lucas located on the tip of the Baja Peninsula then skip across to the mainland to tropical Puerto Vallarta or Mazatlan as you explore the beaches of the Western coast of Mexico.

If the waters of the Gulf of Mexico are more your preference, head East to Monterrey located at the base of the Sierra Madre Mountains to get a taste of authentic Mexican life and culture before heading South to enjoy the beautiful beaches of Cancun. On your way, make sure you find time to stop in Oaxaca to view some fabulous scenery and explore the nearby archeological ruins of Monte Alban.

Mexico has something to offer for everyone. Find out which of these great destinations is right for your next vacation retreat.

Great Destinations in Mexico
Cancun
Puerto Vallarta
Oaxaca
Monterrey
Mazatlan
Cabo

Author: Helen Pritchard writes for both netcars.com, a used car classified website and Car Finance 247 who specialize in helping people obtaincar finance deals.

Mexican Food 101

2011-12-08T13:53:00.000-08:00

by Jillian Tobias

Mexican food is synonymous with being colorful and flavorful and for many visitors it is one of Mexico’s star attractions. Tex-Mex, served in many Mexican restaurants across North America, is a distinctly different style of cuisine.

Traditional Mexican cuisine typically includes corn and beans. Squash, onions, peppers and spices such as chilies, oregano, cilantro, cinnamon, and cocoa are also common. Let your taste buds do the traveling in Mexico!

Although it almost always has similar ingredients, Mexican food varies dramatically by region. Some regions are spicier than others and a few are even known for being sweet! The mix of spices and ingredients varies based on the climate and agriculture in the area, making regional specialties a real treat.

Cuisine of Northern Mexico

In the North, meat dishes are popular due to the abundance of cattle ranching. You’d be hard pressed to find a restaurant in Northern Mexico without a delicious carne asada (grilled meat) on the menu.

Often marinated with a blend of spices and peppers, the arracheracut (flank steak) is always a good choice!

A Taste of the Yucatan

The Yucatan Peninsula is known for the sweetness in its cuisine. Unlike its spicier mainland counterparts, Yucatan cuisine often contains local produce, like tropical fruits, and achiote.

Achiote is a bright, pink fruit tree introduced by the Spanish and used throughout Latin America as a bright pink dye!

Don’t worry, your food won’t be pink!

Oaxacan Cuisine Favorites

Oaxacan cuisine has become very popular in the last decade. Memorable for its savory sauces like mole and birria, the cuisine is largely influenced by its geography.

You may also see a significant amount of indigenous food in Oaxaca, such as chapulines (small grasshoppers fried and covered in chili powder) and mescal, a pre-hispanic distilled alcohol.

Don’t forget to try Oaxacan chocolate, famous for its distinct flavor and Oaxacan cheese, a soft white cheese that melts like mozzarella!

Foods of The Gulf of Mexico

The Gulf Coast of Mexico is perhaps best known for seafood, and you may see a number of dishes prepared a la veracuzana. Fish and shellfish are often prepared with citrus and hot peppers, delicious on a hot day. Ceviche is also popular on the coast.

Mexican ceviche is distinct from that of South America, a bit spicier but equally delicious. Don’t hesitate to try some!

You can’t go wrong with Mexican cuisine. Vegetarians also have a wide variety of dishes to choose from and in most major cities there are restaurants that have a vegetarian menu.

From gorditas to tacos, to corn covered tamales and carne asada there is plenty to taste!

Photo Credit: Flickr users IShouldLogOff and Albumdobruto through a creative commons license.

Author: Jillian Tobias spent 21 months traveling around the world with her husband. They explored 50 countries, covering famous overland routes like Capetown to Cairo and the Old Silk Road. They blog about their travels and adventures off the computer at their website: www.IShouldLogOff.com.

You can find them on facebook or twitter: @ishouldlogoff.

All About Cabo Launches Forum

2011-08-24T09:07:00.001-07:00

by Cara Gourley

We are proud to annouce that our All About Cabo site has just launched their Cabo Forum!

At the Cabo Forum, you can sign up and learn more about Cabo San Lucas.

Cabo Forum users will also be able to:

Post question threads
Answer other user's questions
Have profiles
Private message other forum members

Forum members can also ask a question in the “Ask All About Cabo Forum.” They will receive answers directly from the All About Mexico staff!

They are also running a Contest for new forum members for a $200 gift certificate to Cabo Expeditions!

Global Congress on Travel: Important Dialogue for Mexico

2011-08-15T15:13:00.000-07:00

by Stephen Barth

Photo taken by Sarunas Burdulis

On July 26, 2011, CNN posted the article “Despite violence, Mexico tourism remains strong.” Complete with a beautiful slideshow of pictures from tourists, the article posits that with cautious awareness, travel to Mexico is safe and can result in a memorable and deeply rewarding trip.

In fact, the article argues, travel to Mexico is increasing. Citing statistics from Mexico’s tourism ministry, in 2011, “Mexico has seen a 40.9% increase in Brazilian tourists, a 58.1% increase from Russia and 32.8% increase from China.”

And yet, the perception continues that travel to Mexico is unsafe and should be postponed. How can these two realities coexist?

Not Just in Mexcio: A Global Occurrence

Photo taken by eperales

The scrutiny surrounding Mexico in recent years, involving traveler safety due to drug cartels and when the H1N1 flu erupted, simply put, results in travel disruptions and has significant economic implications. If tourists do not come to Mexico, bus tour companies, hotels, restaurants, and attractions are affected by the lack of tourists.

In other words, the domino effect of travel disruptions affects all segments of the travel, tourism, and hospitality industries: if planes cannot fly due to disasters, trains, buses and taxis suffer, hotels remain empty, and meetings get cancelled, while food and beverages go unsold.

This causal effect occurs every time a natural or man made disaster occurs, and in 2011, has been seen in Japan, Egypt, and other countries.

Learning From Each Other, Lessons for Mexico

Photo taken by Josh Larios

As the Mexican tourism ministry works to improve Mexico’s image and global perception as a safe tourist destination, its officials should not operate alone.

For example, what Chinese officials learned during the SARS outbreak could have been shared with global health officials when the H1N1 epidemic erupted in Mexico.

In response to the recent Icelandic volcanic ash, the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has said , “The CAA has led work within Europe to update requirements for operating in and around Volcanic Ash.” What are those updates? What are the lessons learned? Taking that line of questioning one step further, can the CAA share those best practices with other industries, such as cruise lines, to minimize passenger disruption when natural disasters occur?

The U.S. Transportation Security Administration has instituted screening procedures for both passengers and baggage. But have those procedures been shared with ports and ground transportation companies?

Without a public-private dialogue among the global travel, tourism, and hospitality industries, travel disruptions will continue to be dangerous, cost economies financially, and diminish traveler satisfaction.

The Global Congress on Travel: Creating the Dialogue

Photo taken by Roy Luck

HospitalityLawyer.com and the Greater Houston Convention & Visitors Bureau are hosting the Global Congress on Legal, Safety, and Security Solutions in Travel, in Houston, Texas, August 25-28, to address these issues and many more. The Congress, designed for travel suppliers, travel buyers, and public travel supporters, aims to reduce the number of costly travel disruptions.

Lessons and best practices learned in one area of the world or in one industry can and should be shared with other geographic regions and other industries, not isolated to specific industries or one region. The Global Congress will facilitate this much-needed dialogue.

In the session “Best Practices in Entry and Exit Procedures,” Attorney Charles Foster with FosterQuan will help government officials understand how countries balance their need to welcome visitors versus increasing security concerns. What are the best practices and how can you effectuate needed change?

The media’s portrayal of Mexico’s safety affects travelers’ perspective and influences their decision to travel to Mexico. With recent headlines like “10 Killed in Bar Shooting in Mexico” and “Official: 3 teens, one a U.S. citizen, killed in Mexican border city,” foreigners can gain the impression that travel to all of Mexico is unsafe. However, The U.S. State Department’s April 22, 2011, Travel Warning, states “Resort areas and tourist destinations in Mexico generally do not see the levels of drug-related violence and crime reported in the border region and in areas along major trafficking routes.”

The Global Congress on Travel session “The Media's Role in Creating and Sustaining a Travel Crisis: What the Changing Media Landscape Means for Media, Travelers and the Travel Industry” gathers a Professor from the Columbia School of Journalism, a Travel Editor from the Huffington Post, and other industry leaders to discuss the news media's coverage of events and the consequences that coverage has on travel, tourism and economies. Clearly the news media has an obligation to report newsworthy events and inform the public, but do they have an ethical obligation to report the complete story? For example, if a tornado destroys a section of a city and the coverage shows the devastation but not the fact that 95% of the community is unaffected by the tragedy, is that appropriate? Similarly, should the media balance their reports of shootings with statistics showing that leisure travel to Mexico resorts is mostly safe?

The 2009 H1N1 flu pandemic, first reported in Mexico, also affected Mexican tourism. Some countries went so far as to cancel flights to Mexico. In the panel “Contagious Outbreaks: Appropriate Responses in all Sectors of Public Accommodation,” Drs. Druckman and Stein will provide best practices for reacting to contagious diseases in hotels and restaurants.

The Congress has attracted the attention of Roger Dow, President of the U.S. Travel Association and Co-Chair of the Advisory Board for the Global Congress on Travel, who has said the Congress is an “unprecedented convergence of global experience and expertise.”

This Congress is a must-attend for companies doing business internationally or with employees traveling internationally. Ron DiLeo, Executive Director for the Association of Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE) and Co-Chair of the Global Congress Advisory Board, "The Global Congress is an extraordinary opportunity for the entire corporate travel team to learn best practices for meeting legal obligations and executing safe and secure travel."

For more information on the Global Congress, please visit www.globalcongressontravel.com or call +1 (713) 963-8800.

Meet Our New All About Mexico Contributors!

2011-06-30T08:52:00.000-07:00

by: Carli, Charlotte, Katrina, and Kathleen

This summer there are four new contributors to the All About Team.
As new members of the All About Team, we get to learn so much about Mexico and all the things it has to offer. Each day we work with the All About Mexico staff to help them with all of their various sites, including those on Cabo, Cancun, and Puerto Vallarta.
Whether we are suggesting a travel tip tweet, tagging photos for Flickr, or creating a new blog, the staff certainly keeps us busy! Now, since we are helping the staff, we wanted to share a little bit about ourselves:

Carli Safier

Studies:
I will be attending the University of Oklahoma next year to study marketing and advertising.
Hobbies:
Loves photography, fashion and to read. Favorite TV shows are Friends and The Office
What you do for All About Mexico:
From calling Mexico to setting up appointments to blogging about amazing restaurants; the job is entertaining and I’m learning so much so quickly!
Favorite vacation spot in Mexico:
My favorite vacation spot in Mexico would have to be Cabo.
Favorite beach activity:
I love playing volleyball in the sand and boogie boarding on the waves.
Your Go-To Mexican dish:
My favorite all time Mexican dish would have to be chicken enchiladas with rice and beans.

Charlotte Brook

Studies:
New York University's Tisch School of the Arts for Theatre
Hobbies:
I love acting, singing, dancing, and playing the piano.
What you do for All About Mexico:
I help in anyway that I can, which currently includes designing golf scorecards for the activities section of the website.
Favorite vacation spot in Mexico:
Puerto Vallarta!
Favorite beach activity:
I love digging holes in the sand!
Your Go-To Mexican dish:
Anything with tortillas!!

Katrina Contreras

Studies:
Student at St. Agnes Academy.
Hobbies:
I love reading, writing, listening to music, and watching T.V.
What you do for All About Mexico:
I do PR work, tag photos on Flickr, research and update the events calendar. So if anyone has an upcoming event in Mexico give me a shout out. I also speak, read and write Spanish.
Favorite vacation spot in Mexico:
I love Cancun!
Favorite beach activity:
I just think it’s fun to go splashing in the ocean!
Your Go-To Mexican dish:
I absolutely love a good enchilada casserole.

Kathleen Ashcraft

Studies:
Kathleen will be attending the University of Notre Dame to study communications.
Hobbies:
I love to read, write, and shop for anything! My favorite show is Modern Family.
What you do for All About Mexico:
I help with any simple day to day activities such as researching information. Currently, my main project is to create an Ebook for our All About Cabo site.
Favorite vacation spot in Mexico:
Definitely Cabo!
Favorite beach activity:
I just like relaxing on the beach and getting a good tan. I always bring a book and my iPod!
Your Go-To Mexican dish:
Any kind of quesadilla is ok by me!

Garrafon Park Isla Mujeres: The Perfect Cancun Day Trip

2011-06-01T16:57:00.000-07:00

by: Kelly McLaughlin

Cancun family vacations, relaxation and stress tied hand in hand as you try to plan day trips that will please the whole crew.

You’ve booked your flights, selected your hotel and now you are looking at the hundreds of Cancun tours available and are feeling overwhelmed by the choices. Mom wants to relax, the kids just want to play and dad is looking for some excitement and adventure.

Snorkel trips, zip line parks, bike tours, kayaking adventures, swimming with dolphins, you just don’t have enough vacation days to do it all. And then you stumble on Garrafon Park Isla Mujeres, a one day trip that covers all the bases!

The tiny island of Isla Mujeres lies across the bay from Cancun, a 30 minute ferry ride to paradise. At the southern tip of the island you’ll find Garrafon Natural Reef Park, set on stunning cliffs and a coral reef, with spectacular views of sea blues that seem to be straight out of a postcard. The ideal spot to spend a day enjoying the tropical breezes, the underwater world and quality time with loved ones.

Your journey begins in Cancun as you board the modern ferry for your trip across the sea. You’ll enjoy a light breakfast, fresh juices and coffee as you oooh and ahhh at the colors of the ocean. When you land at Isla Mujeres, leaping dolphins greet you at the docks of Dolphin Discovery. You may choose to have the experience of a lifetime and swim with these friendly marine mammals in addition to your day at Garrafon, the dolphin swim package deals are a great way to combine two unique adventures.

A quick taxi ride down an island road and you arrive at the top of a cliff, with soaring palm trees, blooming flowers and vistas that are almost impossible to describe. You hear a “zzzzzzzzzzzzip” and a “wheeeee” as you spot someone flying down from the top of the cliff to the waters below on a zip line. You could choose to walk down the garden path, but your heart is pumping and you strap on the harness and take the adrenaline path instead, laughing and thinking about what everyone in the office will say about your daring.

At the base of the cliff you find the cozy beach, an infinity pool and the reef area for snorkeling and kayaks. Mom orders a cool drink and heads for the pool, finding a shady spot in a hidden cave, taking a moment to breathe and relax. Dad and the kids find their snorkel gear and hit the reef, marveling at the tropical fish and coral they discover. Next up is a spin in the kayaks, floating and gliding over the calm seas and maybe even a no holds barred splash war.

By now everyone has worked up quite an appetite and it’s time to enjoy the all you can eat buffet. With a wide variety of delicious salads, pastas, Mexican fare and good old pizza and burgers, everyone is energized (and with all the exercise you’re getting, that second piece of cake is not a bad idea at all). You sip your Garrafon Lemonade (highly recommended!) and gaze across the ocean at the skyline of Cancun in the distance. This is the moment where you feel perfectly at peace, in touch with nature and reconnected with your family.

The rest of the day is spent exploring the cliffs, riding bikes to Punta Sur, learning to do handstands underwater, swinging in the hammocks, watching the soaring frigate birds, chasing iguanas and butterflies, and burying Dad in the sand. You look around at your family, bronzed skin, pink noses and sparkling eyes and let out a sigh of contentment. This was better than you could have imagined, the perfect, stress-free family vacation day at Garrafon Park.

About the Author: Kelly McLaughlin is a Canadian woman living in Cancun, Mexico. She lives to explore the region, write about it, photograph it and share her tales through social media. She loves visiting Isla Mujures and Garrafon Park.

Congratulations to Our All About Mexico Girl 2010: Sarah Boehner

2011-03-21T08:00:00.000-07:00

This beautiful and talented lady started modeling at 15 years old. She was dyslexic growing up but modeling and doing pageants gave her the self confidence.

An animal lover, Sarah chose ALMA, Animal Lovers Mexico Association as her charity of choice. All About Mexico has donated to ALMA in her name!

Learn more about Sarah here!

All About Mexico Parties

2011-02-15T08:54:00.000-08:00

Here at All About Mexico, we take partying very seriously. Which is why we have launched our All About Party Program. Get excited - one might be coming to a town near you.

The All About Party program is about bringing Mexico to you. Complete with margaritas and games, our All About Girls get together with sororities, fraternities, book clubs, women's groups etc who want to experience Mexico.

Whether you have been to Mexico or not, it's a great way to hear about where to go, things to do and other tips.

Our mission: spread information about Mexico in a fun, entertaining way.

Parties will be filmed and photographed so you can keep the memory.

You can check out our first party here.

Hope to see you soon!!!

Love, The All About Girls

Win a Cabo Vacation!

2011-02-06T09:07:00.000-08:00

All About Mexico is doing a sweepstakes for our CEO's Birthday!

ENTER HERE

Grand Prize:
Cabo San Lucas Vacation Package:

3-4 Nights at ALL INCLUSIVE Pueblo Bonito Pacifica
Jungle Cruises: Sunset Cruise for Two

Extra Party Favors:

Three People will receive $25 towards their next SouthWest Flight!

Prize Eligibility

Only persons who are at least 18 years of age can enter.

Sweepstakes Starts

February 01, 2011 @ 02:00 am (CST)

Sweepstakes Ends

February 28, 2011 @ 11:26 am (CST)

Need more Details?

Read the Official Rules

The All About Girls' Interview on Electric Theatre Radio Hour

2011-02-04T11:46:00.000-08:00

Mom, Aleasha and I got to the chance to go down to Galveston, TX and join George Lee on his weekly radio show The Electric Theatre Radio Hour.

George is a performing songwriter, radio personality, fine artist and humor columnist. George is extremely talented - he can do everything from write plays to paint fantastic pieces of art. His weekly radio show The Electric Theatre Radio Hour is aired on KGBC in Galveston, TX (and is available on-line).

We talked to George about life as the All About Girls and chatted with his wife Brenda about some of the delicious food we had tasted in Mexico.

Hear the Radio Interview Here.

We had a ton of fun in Galveston... and even got to meet the Mayor!

Keep posted for more All About Girls Adventures.

By: Cara Gourley. Cara is the Director of Web and Video Production at All About Mexico. She loves traveling, taking photos of everything and writing about Mexico. You can follow her on twitter - @allaboutcara.

Surfing at Cabo Surf

2011-01-25T11:58:00.000-08:00

Who knew Cabo had surfing? Surprisingly, it has quite a few surfing spots like Costa Azul, Playa Cerritos, East Cape to name a few. I had the luck to surf at the Playa Acapulquito located in front of the Cabo Surf Hotel. Not only is this a great ocean spot for beginners as well as medium level surfers, they have an experienced and well prepared surf school on site - the Mike Doyle Surf School.

The surf school provides everything from boards to rashguards to booties. If you choose to take lessons, which I did, there are a three excellent instructors on site to choose from - Miguel, Daniel and Hector. My instructor was Hector, who has been at Cabo Surf the longest - about 10+ years. Your lesson will start with an instructional video of pro tips and precautions. Next you must practice your form on the beach. Good form is everything! Once you feel confidant its time to hit the ocean and catch the perfect wave.

The water that day was clear as glass, warm and pretty much perfect. Although there are some rocky spots Hector made sure I knew where those were and how to avoid them. Sometimes when you're up there and you fall its hard to know what exactly happened. Luckily, he watches everything you do with a pro eye so when you come back he has a critique of what exactly went wrong. Baby steps everyone, be patient with your selves. I know I had to!

Once you catch your first wave it is a feeling you will never forget and it is actually quite addicting. Hector's enthusiasm is apparent when he encourages you to take a wave and when you catch one its almost as if he has too! My favorite part is his help; his help with paddling out there, pushing your board to add to the initial momentum riding the wave and avoiding any huge waves about to crash in your face.

I underestimated the energy it takes to paddle out there. But fighting waves and current is hard! After an hour and a half I was tired and had to go in. As someone who doesn't often get the opportunity to surf though, this was an experience I will never forget. When leaving I discovered most people feel that way. A surprising amount of tourists recognized Hector and would sometimes talk to him about a lesson they had 4 years ago. "Hey, you taught me how to surf!" was a common exclamation. It is obvious its not just me, surfing at Cabo Surf with Hector as your surfing instructor is really an experience for the memory books.
By: Aleasha Stephens. Aleasha is the Director of Marketing at All About Mexico. She runs our Facebook & Twitter accounts. Follow/Fan us please! You can also follow Aleasha on her personal twitter - @allaboutaleash

Agua at the One&Only Palmilla

2011-01-21T08:39:00.000-08:00

Pueblo Bonito Pacifica from a Designers Eye!

2010-12-02T11:48:00.000-08:00

Tired and jetlagged I step out of the taxi and instantly I feel gratitude. I inhale the smell of eucalyptus that surrounds me. I exhale and know I have been delivered to a place of honor and hopeful cure for exhaustion.

I have been greeted by a young man with a tray of white washcloths, immersed with eucalyptus. We wipe our face and hand. The smell lingers!    The journey begins...

I hear waterfalls, birds chirping and relaxing music, all which are enticing me to enter the front door. At this point I realize the hotel is practically transparent. I can see the Pacific Ocean before I even step inside. I can now fully open my eyes there is so much to absorb.   

The Lobby

Once inside I begin to focus on the Lobby, which is pristine clean. Walls are round, slightly textured, very creamy and extend to the skies to about 40 feet. This serves as a serene back drop to a comforting focal point. This focal is a circular bowl water feature set concave into the floor, stretching 18 feet in circumference and has a pebble tiled bottom with a depth of about 10 inches.

Four tall columns with lighted lanterns at the base surround this water feature to exaggerate and support this beautiful water art!

The energy pulls you to it and encourages you to test the water......and I do just that forcing me to take off my shoes, I step in. The pebbled texture massages the bottom of my feet, while the cool water is soothing.

Check In

 The check-in is smooth as suggests the first impression and the walk to our room is scenic. Open aired hallways and corridors supply a great view of the mountains on one side and the ocean on the opposite all along the way. The mood and ambiance continues to soothe us.

The Room

We arrive at our room and are very pleased at first site. Soft tones of cream repeat the walls from the Lobby. Floors are softly textured, painted and stained creamy with accents of a pebbled design, bordered around the floor. We feel as if we are honored guests.

Upon our bed was a message written in edible sunflower seeds that said "Welcome Garlands". The edible letters were about 12" in height and extended full width of bed. Then I see a full length mirror...very important to us women as was the lighted make-up mirror that I saw upon entering the pristine clean bathroom. All the attention to detail has exceeded my expectations, but I am anxious to see more!

The Grounds

Exploring   I am eager to investigate what was between my room and the ocean, for I had only a glimpse upon my arrival. Due to the hotel's calming effect I strolled at a relaxed pace and totally enjoyed my walk to the beach.    The grounds were immense in size and they had carefully integrated massive amounts of palm trees into a dessert setting. The merging of tropicals with cactus was not only convincing, it was amazing.

Two circular mega pools surrounded an open air restaurant as it rested like a floating island.    Still encouraging my curiosity was the king-size, canvas draped beds that I kept seeing in the distance. I could now actually lay down on one of them and soak it all up. I could feel the cool breezes of the ocean. But I needed to touch the ocean, so I continue walking and finally approach the Pacific. I turn around and to my delight I see what I had just experienced.

A thing of Beauty is to be enjoyed forever and I will indeed never forget "Hotel Pueblo Bonito Pacifica!

   By Jeanne Garland
Interior Designer
A.S.I.D, T.B.A.E., T.A.I.D

Dreaming of Thanksgiving

2010-11-22T13:23:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving...that one day a year, as if programmed at birth, where we gather to watch oversized floating animals, football and eat ourselves into a lethargic zombie state gorging on a bountiful array of carbohydrates and dehydrated turkey.

And then there's that yearly profession sitting around the table formally declaring to all what you're thankful for. I'm thankful that next year, I won't be sitting here listening to Grandpa being thankful for his dentures (he got six years ago), telling the story we all heard a 100 times about when I was five I walked into his bathroom when he was putting his teeth in and I asked if I could have a cookie too!

As we begin to feast the table breaks off to side conversations of world affairs and family gossip, my mind starts to travel to my next year's Thanksgiving destination...a seaside paradise in Mexico.

Gazing out the window staring at the dismal grey sky and falling snow, I'm thankful to be relaxing on a pristine sandy beach in Cabo San Lucas with the warm sun kissing my skin, my ears caressed by a symphony of waves crashing ashore conducted by the Pacific Ocean. I'm now sipping on my second Margarita as I submerge myself in the visual beauty of the mountains and ocean surrounding me..."Ah I never want to go back home!"

I'm in a deep trance and state of relaxation as I desperately try to stay in the dinner conversation, but as I reach past the cranberry mold for the gravy bowl, I'm transported back to paradise as the gravy turns into an azure blue and turquoise sea where I'm scuba diving, snorkeling, swimming with dolphins, fishing and whale watching! I look over at the dried up turkey and I'm seaside watching rays of color brush stroking the sky as the sun sets and I'm dining on fresh fish and local cuisine.

Suddenly! The piercing sound of Aunt Marge's yearly karaoke rendition of "These Boots Were Made for Walking" has me walking in downtown Cabo where I'm partying and dancing the night away! Yes! I am very thankful!

By: Michelle Root

Kids in Tow: Surviving the Beach

2010-11-22T07:49:00.000-08:00

Growing up along the shores of Lake Michigan makes me a beach bum of sorts. Granted, Norwegian ancestry and buckets of SPF 50 go hand-in-hand, but the experience prepared me for road trips south of the Mason Dixon with my own family. When traveling with kids, of course you’ll want to remember towels, shovels, and floppy hats. But what should you bring when your trunk space is a suit case and you’re in a different country?

At a minimum, make room for these beach essentials when kids are in tow:

Socks. If wearing socks at a beach sounds counter-intuitive, consider the combination of hot sand and sensitive feet. Even in sandals, sand can burn the tiniest of toes. Socks are also a great way to ward off the sand that likes to sneak home with you in the distance between the last final “rinse off” and your rental car. Not to mention, socks are also a great way to combat friction blisters if your kids develop (especially in the heel, where straps tend to rub the worst).

Liquid Tears. Nothing makes a kid and their parents more instantly miserable than a foreign body in a toddler eye (well, any age eye, for that matter). Give a kid a shovel, add some wind, and sooner or later someone is going to come crying to mom. I like to keep miniature vials of liquid tears in my purse and beach bag just for this reason. Small enough to pass by airport security, simply twist off the top and squeeze the liquid into the inner corner of the eye (tell kids to keep their eyes closed during this part – when the eye is finally opened, the drop falls right in). Not to mention, liquid tears are more sterile than water or even spit.

Mesh Bag. Worth purchasing even in a tourist shop is a mesh, usually cloth, bag for gathering shells and other ocean treasures. Because the bag is breathable, both sand and water can drip or fall out on your way back to the car. I like to shake the bag for extra measure, hoping any hermit crabs will find the short drop to the beach less traumatic than a plunge off the hotel balcony.

Water. This sounds like a no-brainer, right? Even in Michigan, with plentiful opportunities to re-fill water bottles or purchase new containers for a few dollars, I can’t even begin to count how many “accidental” spills we’ve had over the years. My advice is to fill the bladder of a water bottle backpack (we use a CamelBak) completely full with cold water. Wearing the water source frees your hands and your kids’ hands and it greatly reduces the chance for spills and sand contamination. You may even want to consider two backpacks; one with an electrolyte like Gatorade and the other with water. And here’s the trick: make sure the kids actually stop building sand castles long enough to rehydrate. It’s easy to lose track of time at the beach—especially in salt water, make sure the entire family is replacing fluids.

Beach Toys. Before airlines started charging for extra luggage, packing a sand bucket and shovel from home was not too out of the ordinary. Today, every square inch counts. If you don’t feel like tucking underpants into plastic beach toys, consider getting creative once you arrive at your destination. We’ve re-used plastic cups from restaurants, plastic silverware (sporks make the best impromptu shovels), and even the occasional ice bucket or two (busted!). Consider collecting local leaves, nuts, and shells for sand castle embellishment; sneaking in an educational moment or two. Just don’t forget to recycle or return your makeshift beach gear before you pack to go home.

Julie Henning is the “Feed Me” and Geocaching editor with the online travel website Road Trips for Families. She lives in Madison, Wisconsin with her husband and three kids. Lake Michigan has fostered a love (and respect) for water; some day she’ll be a snow bird.

Mexican Bicentennial Independence Day

2010-09-10T10:50:00.000-07:00

The approaching Mexican Bicentennial Independence Day has resulted in some amazing commemorative videos, art, memorials and museum exhibits. But the best part of the Bicentennial is the celebration.

After 300 years of oppression from Spain and now 200 years of freedom you can bet this will be one of the largest fiestas of the year. Although the capital hub for the party is Mexico City, there are plenty of places to celebrate.

"Ruta 2010" (The Route of Independence)

Where: Through out Mexico

Perhaps the largest commemorative effort, this moving memorial is thanks to the Ministry of Communication and Transportation & the Secretary of Tourism. They have chosen 6 routes traveled during the War of Independence and/or Mexican Revolution. Whichever route you choose there will be plenty of historical information, memorial and museums sure to educate even the biggest history buffs. Not to mention some beautiful scenery a long the way!

Arco del Bicentenario (Bicentennial Arch)

Where: Mexico City

This monument, planned to be unveiled and inaugurated on September 15th, will stand in Mexico City along the Paseo de la Reforma in honor of Mexico's 200 years of independence. A contest was held to determine the lucky architect and César Pérez Becerril was the winner. His vision is 104 meters tall, made of steel and covered in quartz.

Expo Parque Bicentenario (Bicentennial Expo Park)

Where: Guanajuato

A spacious 245 acres of lush wide-open land has been set-aside in Guanajuato to hold an ongoing fair in honor of the Bicentennial. The fair will run until November with a large emphasis on September 15th (El Grito) and November 20th (Mexican Revolution) of course! It should be quite the event.

Although these celebrations are in Mexico there will be plenty of partying through out cities in Mexico, big or small, and the United States as well. Los Angeles' Olvera Street parties in honor of El Grito every year. San Francisco is throwing an Ethnic Dance Festival in honor of the occasion. Even Dallas' Museum of Art has a special exhibit for the Bicentennial. So take a look around your city and there is sure to be an opportunity to get in on the fun.

What are your plans for the Bicentennial?

By: Aleasha Stephens

Mystical Mexico

2010-06-24T17:46:00.001-07:00

The mystical sites in Mexico just may be its saving grace. Amidst the white noise in the news it is difficult to discern the story of a magical transformation seeded within the borders of our neighboring country. Yet the transformation I speak of will profoundly effect all of us the world over.

There has been much written about the 2012 phenomenon. This is evidenced by the surge in spiritual seekers drawn to the sacred lands of the Maya. Many are in search of a new understanding of these ancients who left behind amazing works of astronomy and astrology. The civilization that left a mark on planet earth also left a message. This message can be read in the carvings along the walls of Mexico’s hidden caves and atop the stone monuments spotted across the Mesoamerican Mountains.

Of particular interest, is the discovery of the Mayan Long Count Calendar. Upon first impression, one is struck by the realization that the ending the Maya foresaw millennia ago could portend the extinction of mankind. Yet a more profound theory has emerged pointing our hearts to the evolution of mankind as an alternative. The spiritual power within individuals must unite in partnership to usher in the shift. In light of this revelation, many are drawing an analogous picture to the fall of the Berlin wall following the Harmonic Convergence.

In 1987, I considered myself a neophyte in these matters. Yet I was drawn to or rather “called” to be a part of the process. I cancelled my work commitments and met with a small group of like minded individuals in a friend’s living room. We spent that auspicious day in August practicing quiet meditation, hours at a time, praying. Later we learned how many hands were held world wide during those moments. The connection between this focus on peaceful freedom followed by the subsequent fall of an icon of bondage in 1989 was notably speculated.

One of the ways those called to the upcoming task are participating in the next universal transformation is by connecting directly with the forces at play on sacred lands. The Shamanic elders of the modern day Mayans are being guided to join with those individuals who feel the stirrings within. Excursions have begun to the lands of the early ones throughout the Mexico Guatemala region to reignite the celebratory fires.

One mission of these groups is to unravel the mystery. Another is the preservation of the tombs of antiquity that house Mayan cultural wisdom. Recent restoration projects have been underway at many formerly isolated locations. Some of the lesser known sites have open access to the archeology unearthed. This allows the opportunity for a first hand experience with the energy of the Maya. Those of us who tread these lands carry a great reverence and responsibility. When the tipping point is reached, evolution has begun.

by: Debra White-Stephens

Facebook Contest

2010-05-21T14:05:00.000-07:00

Dates of Contest - May 21st - May 28th

How to Enter: Start asking all your friends through emails, facebook, texting, calling, telepathy however you want to join the All About Mexico fan page.

Judging:

In the left hand rail below "information" is a box showing you how many of your friends "like" All About Mexico.

At the end of one week take a screen shot of the page and how many friends of yours are fans of the All About Mexico page.

The person that adds the most Facebook fans in one week wins.

Prizes:

First and Second place both win a $200 credit towards activities at CaboExpeditions.com like snorkeling, snuba, kayaking, parasailing, submarine, whale watching, two bay snorkel & sea trek adventure.

Eligibility:

Anyone with a Facebook page that loves Mexico.

Sponsor:

All About Mexico and Cabo Expeditions

Easter in Mexico

2010-04-01T10:09:00.000-07:00

Easter in Mexico could not be more different than Easter in America. There are no bunnies laying eggs (how is that possible anyway) and you will not find any pastel colors plastered across the country. Instead, Easter in Mexico, or Semana Santa as they call it, lasts an entire week and is filled with richly decorated parades and festivities comparable to Spring Break or 4^th of July for Americans

This holy week preceding Easter and one of the most celebrated periods in Mexico is a site everyone must see at least once. Although originally a solemn holiday filled with dietary restrictions, fasting and lengthy masses the tradition has changed into one of much more celebration and mainly vacation for resident Mexicans. Through out the week lavish parades are held with various extravagant floats re-enacting the different days leading to Jesus' death. Mexicans leave their day jobs to become actors imitating ancient scripture, participants or onlookers. Despite their role in the celebration the week has transformed into a general time of vacation for many Mexicans not excluding plenty of feasting and drinking.

Perhaps its because its the last week of lent and they will soon be able to relish in whatever sinful indulgences they gave up for 40 days. Whatever the reason, the beaches are packed, resorts are booked and the streets are filled with parades. Book any plans far ahead of time because reservations fill up fast due to this being the most popular time of year for Mexicans to vacation. In the meantime, celebrate hunts for eggs with cash or candy in them. Happy Easter!

Aleasha Stephens

Mexican Activities: A Mayan Shamanic Sweat in Xcaret

2010-03-22T10:54:00.000-07:00

When my husband an I went to Xcaret just outside of Cancun, the last thing we expected was a life altering experience at a Mexican amusement park. Who knew that tucked away in a little known corner of Xcaret, in an unassuming Shaman’s hut, there were unseen forces at work?

My husband and I met Eduardo on a chance encounter as we meandered through Xcaret with our tour guide Alberto.

“There is a true Mayan village, right here on the grounds of Xcaret,” Alberto of Cancun Tour Company exclaimed. “The sacred ways of the ancients are still practiced here every day.”

“Many believe the Mayan people disappeared from the earth,” he continued. “This is not so. The descendants of the Mayans remain in the Yucatan as they have for centuries.”

Just then, a shaman emerged from a stone hut. Of Mayan lineage, Eduardo was trained by his Grandfather and the Grandfathers that came before him.

With a wave, he greeted Xcaret passersby from below, shouting an invitation. “Come back at 2 pm - we will be conducting a sweat. Listen for the sound of the bell.”

I had read about the sweat lodge ceremony in the Native American custom in the US. The ancient ritual had piqued my curiosity over the years. The invitation was intriguing.

After an invigorating snorkel in the natural underground caves in Xcaret, we began our trek back to the Shaman. A sign close to the site, read “Temascal.” The origin of the Nahuatl word is “temas” for bath and “calli” for house – a place of ritual and healing. Eduardo was waiting with a welcoming smile.

There were two youthful, plump Argentinean girls participating along side my husband and myself. They did not speak a word of English and thus Eduardo along with his young assistant conducted the ceremony alternating between the Spanish and English translations.

We were introduced to the female Goddess whose statue stood guarding the stone structure. A prayer was recited to request her permission for us to enter the sacred space. Tea prepared from local plant life was served to us in turn from a tiny cup. Then we each were handed a conch shell gathered from the nearby sea and directed to blow into it with all our power. The sound signaled our readiness. Blessings bestowed, we were directed to enter a small, round dwelling made of natural rock.

In the center of the cave was a pit of hot stones. The Shaman embraced his mission and as the fire heated, the entrance was sealed. The Shaman announced we must rid ourselves of demons – the first of which is “fear.” We were asked to shout and the sound of our moans reverberated off the walls of the small enclosure.

Next, we were told to drop our “Mask.” Once again, painful noises bellowed as we felt our egos tear away. The release of guttural moans was soon followed by a hushed silence.

Slowly, the sweet sound of singing was heard. The Shaman’s voice grew stronger and soothing. He sang to mother earth and the forces of the heavens. He praised the Gods. It was no doubt a song that has been sung for Millennia. Despite the physical discomfort of the seething heat, we were transformed in that mystic moment.

Just then, with a sudden shock of frigid water, Eduardo began splashing us one by one; first with a large ladle and then from a bucket. Soaked to our skins, we departed the cave and were led to a sacred pool. We were told to submerge ourselves in the quiet relief of the still spring fed water. This process, Eduardo explained, is to cleanse ourselves from the negative forces released in the ceremony.

As we toweled dry and embraced, this time honored Shaman shared his hope that more people would show interest in Spirit to prepare for the changes coming to our world. “The Mayan long count calendar ends in 2012,” he remarked.

“Extinction or Evolution” I shared. Eduardo repeated my words.

“I like that,” he said.

“Well, I can’t claim it,” I confessed. “There are many spiritual teachers in the States talking about it. There is a fork in the road of humanity, a crossroads. The choice is ours.”

For a brief moment the Shaman and I locked eyes and the question beckoned, “When mankind meets the challenge, what path will prevail?”

Debra Mae White-Stephens, Contributing Writer

Mexico Vacations: Visiting Mazatlan!

2010-03-08T06:49:00.001-08:00

Hi everyone! I am going to be visiting Mazatlan next week! While there, I will constantly keep you updated with pictures, comments and a little video.

In the meantime, I like taking people's advice. Does anyone have any suggestions of new places to try?

Mexico News: Gay Marriage in Mexico City

2010-03-04T10:43:00.000-08:00

Washington Post reports that Mexico City permits gay marriage.

What do you think?

Mexico Food: Cancun Dining at La Habichuela

2010-02-08T11:38:00.000-08:00

Fine dining is alive and well in Cancun. La Habichuela (loosely translated “the bean”) is one of the oldest restaurants in continuous operation in downtown Cancun. Armando Pescotti came to Cancun Island and established the eatery 32 years ago. The addition of a second, upscale location in the hotel district opened in 2009. This new, haute cuisine setting was only a leisurely, five minute walk from our hotel.

The first thing that strikes you upon entering the restaurant is the dramatic Mayan depictions etched in stone on opposing walls…true works of art. The highly coveted tables are on the deck but we were not disappointed to have a window seat overlooking the lagoon. A complimentary serving of fish foie gras prepared our palates. The menu displayed a selection of unique options including the signature string bean soup. We began with the fried soft shell crab, avocado and corn tortilla taco for appetizer. Scrumptious.

For the entree, my choice of roast duck in pear sauce with kirsch melted in my mouth. Our waiter, Nathaniel paired my duck with a full bodied Merlot from Mexico’s own Casa Madera. My date enjoyed the sliced tenderloin enchilada smothered in mole sauce; a house favorite. The tangy sherbet offered between these two courses cleared our tongues for the next delight. Did I forget to mention the bread? It is a challenge to single out a favorite roll with warm, fresh varieties from banana bread to onion bun to choose from.

The frothy cappuccino laced with liqueur came with compliments from the house. The unexpected surprise resulted from our hotel concierge scheduling the reservation. Our only regret was not having room in our bellies to try the desert menu that featured 3 flambé, including butterscotch crepes. We vowed to return.

Pescotti’s restaurants are a family affair. His personable son and daughter, Armando Jr. and Alana pay special attention to guests at the hotel location. Armando, Jr. was only too happy to share advice on the area golf courses. It seems that when he and his father are not catering to restaurant guests, they are on the golf course or putting on the green Pescotti had installed at his home.

Dining at La Habichuela was summed up on my comment card; Elegant surroundings, Delectable food, Exemplary service.

Cost for a shared appetizer, two entrees and 4 drinks: $93. We left a $20 tip.

By Debra White Stephens

Mexico Contests: Review a Hotel in Mexico and have a chance to win!

2010-01-15T13:47:00.000-08:00

Here at All About Mexico, we love having our readers involved and we are starting a new contest program! Here are the rules for our very first promotion – get excited!

All you have to is comment on this post with a 100 – 300 word story of an experience at your favorite hotel in Mexico. Tell us why this hotel was your favorite, how long you stayed, what activities you did and any thing else you want to share! Make sure to include a way to contact you if you win!

The winner of the best hotel story will receive a $200 gift certificate to Cabo Expeditions and be featured on this blog. Two honorable mentions will also be featured on the blog.

The contest will end on January 29^th and the winner will be announced on February 1^st! The winning entry will be judged on creativity and engaging content. It must be your own work!

We can’t wait to read your stories!

Mexico Deals: Save on Mexico Vacations with Travelocity

2010-01-09T14:02:00.000-08:00

Travelocity is offering up to $340 in savings when you book a vacation through them. They are offering deals on hotels in Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, Playa Del Carmen, Acapulco, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico City, Mazatlan, Cozumel and other hotspots for Mexicn Vacations. Deals include hotel chains such as Hyatt Regency, Riu, and many others.

Also, you get a $75 American Express card when you book using your American Express Card with the promo code 75AMXGIFT. Extra spending money for your Mexican Vacation is never bad!

If you are working on a super budget, Travelocity also offers hotels under $100. If you are book one of the hotels on their list of hotels under $100, you are entered in to win a $2,000 American Express gift card. Travelocity's list offers many Mexican destinations such as Mazatalan, Mexico City and Guadalajara. Check it out. And with code Save10AMX you can save an additional 10% off. The offer expires March 10th, 2010.

By: Cara Gourley