Puerto Vallarta, Mexico 2018 – The land of the beautiful and amazing!
For the healthy foodie traveler, the solo traveler, the female traveler, the black traveler and for any other type of traveler!
Let me start off by saying I love Mexico. Mexico is a country as diverse as it can be – with a rich culture, history, incredible landscape, impeccable weather, warm and friendly people, and AMAZING food. Puerto Vallarta, in particular, is one of my favorite places to visit – and frequently. I have been averaging about 3 visits per year. As an American (from the Midwest), I love to seek out simple and affordable warm winter getaways, typically December –February, when it can get brutally cold and snowy where I live. About 5 years ago it dawned on me that Arizona (what I used to refer to as my second home) was no longer my winter destination of choice. This is because it is actually quicker, cheaper and more convenient for me to travel direct to Puerto Vallarta! With a non-stop flight, I can be out of the frozen tundra of the Midwest and on a beach where it’s consistently 80 degrees and sunny in just 4 hours.
I do most of my traveling alone. I actually prefer it this way. I can do what I want, when I want and how I want. Traveling alone has afforded me unique experiences and encounters that I would not have if I were distracted (or maybe I should say accompanied) by another.
SAFETY
What concerns me the most about being a solo traveler is safety. Especially as a solo female traveler. AND even more – a brown, solo female traveler. I have traveled to many parts of the world and these factors can have very different implications depending on where you go.
Let me start off by saying that I feel 100% safe as a solo traveler in Puerto Vallarta. And just like any city, you have to use common sense, be vigilant and mindful of where you go, what you do and how you do it. I generally play it safe. I don’t wander around at night. I don’t get drunk and lose control. I don’t hang out with random strangers, etc. Don’t get me wrong, there are definitely parts of Mexico that are not safe. The drug cartels are starting to become an increasing threat to some very popular vacation spots in Mexico, but not Puerto Vallarta.
Surprisingly, Puerto Vallarta has a significant number of non-Mexican retiree/senior residents from all over the world but namely the US and Canada. It’s quite interesting to observe this dynamic when out and about. Puerto Vallarta is a very popular retirement destination due to its climate, ease and cost of living, and SAFENESS, among other things.
THINGS TO DO
I would not consider myself an adventure or thrill seeker. My travels are more about experiencing new places, landscapes, culture and people. No matter where I go, I do tend to stay on the beaten path, but like to get a more authentic, local experience in addition to the tourist-y types of activities. For me, when traveling to Puerto Vallarta, I like a good balance of relaxation, working out/being active, the ocean waves, the people and the FOOD.
However, if you are looking for adventure, nightlife and other activities, there is plenty to do and explore. It is very convenient and easy to book tours and excursions. You can book in advance or book through your hotel- or book right on the beach. You can also do certain water sport activities (jet skiing, canoeing, boating) and parasailing on the spot, without any reservation or planning at all.
COMMUNICATION
Many people in the area speak sufficient English –enough for you to be able to communicate the basics. All of the hotels and resorts have English speaking staff. Though it does help if you know a few words in Spanish. I studied Spanish for many years (in high school and college) but have the Spanish speaking and comprehension skills of a 1st grader, yet it’s proven to be enough.
CURRENCY EXCHANGE
Exchange your currency for Mexican Pesos before your trip. Usually your local bank (if they offer currency exchange service), will give you the best rate. Exchanging currency at the airport either from departing city or arriving city will cost you anywhere from 15-25% of the amount exchanged. I have never bothered to actually go to a local bank upon arrival to exchange currency because it just seems like a hassle. I have found that many of the hotels offer decent exchange rates and it’s a very convenient option. For me, it’s hard to know exactly how much of the local currency I will actually need, so I have had to convert at the hotel on occasion.
The taxis, local shops and beach vendors do accept US dollars, but you will find that they will often times charge you more when using US dollars so it’s always best to pay in Mexican Pesos.
For everything else, I use a credit card with no international fees.
BEACH VENDORS
Oh do I love the beach vendors. I have traveled to Puerto Vallarta so many times that I am getting to know each of them by name. Just beware that if you show any type of interest or make any type of eye contact, the beach vendors will try to sell you anything and everything. As long as you are on the beach, you are fair game to be solicited. My first few encounters were fun and exciting. I probably overpaid for things I didn’t really need or want, but I didn’t care. If you really want something, then bargain with them. They will do what it takes to make a sale and if you are a real negotiator you will probably end up with your item for a fraction of the cost of their starting offer.
TRANSPORTATION
Transportation is quite convenient and affordable. Taxi service is available any time of day and will take you anywhere you want to go for a very decent price. There’s also reliable public transportation. The bus route goes to most places and major stops in and around Puerto Vallarta. I must say though that I had to get used to the condition of the vehicles. Some of the transportation vehicles (taxis,buses, and cars) are in need of repair or replacement!
HOTEL ACCOMODATIONS
The Marina District is where I always stay. The main reason being that it is super convenient and close to the airport -about a 4 minute taxi ride. One of these days I am just going to walk from the airport to my hotel. I prefer a resort because it has everything I need right there – fitness center, restaurants, pools, concierge, etc. The staff are so helpful, accommodating and nice. At least that has been my experience each and every time so far.
FOOD
This can be a foodie’s food paradise. I consider myself a health nut foodie and have fallen in love with the abundance of fresh seafood, locally grown fruits and vegetables as well as the numerous simple, healthy, and wholesome options that are always available. No matter where I’ve eaten – streets, restaurants, hotels – it’s always been fresh and delicious. And, I love that most places go out of their way to accommodate my very particular eating preferences (gluten free, dairy free, sugar free) when possible. It’s pretty easy to eat in Mexico because I can always find made from scratch guacamole, salads, fresh fruit and vegetables and be completely satisfied. My current favorite single item is fresh coconut water and coconut meat from coconuts that have literally just been shaken off the trees. I also enjoy fresh jicama, papaya, radish and cucumber which compliment any meal. I think my favorite dish is shrimp and avocado. It’s almost to hard to choose just one. I have also had some of the best beef, chicken and red snapper in Puerto Vallarta!
There’s quite a variety of food options, ranging from the little local corner taco stands to the very fancy and swanky restaurants scattered around town. And, no matter where you are from or what you are used to eating, who doesn’t love a taco?
If you are planning to cook your own food, there are several food markets located throughout the area. There is also a Walmart and a Sam’s Club conveniently located in the city. My favorite food market is the one just one block east of the Sam’s Club. They have everything you need to whip up some nice and delicious meals.
TO GO OR NOT TO GO?
Go. Do it. Live. Laugh. Inspire. Follow your dreams. Live life to the fullest! Period! The end :)!
Click here to watch my YouTube Travel to Puerto Vallarta 2018 mini documentary video.
My next stop is Italy – February 2018. Please be on the lookout for my post- sharing my experiences with you from the perspective of a solo, brown female health nut foodie traveler!