Puerto Vallarta Destination Advice

Inquire whether they are members of the Better Business Bureau. You can check them out by going to their website, figuring out what State that they are incorporated in (their mailing address), and then going to www.BBB.org and doing a search on them. Having a clean, or satisfactory report is what you're looking for. By the way, it doesn't mean all that much...but it's far better than traveling with a Tour Company or Travel Agent that has an unsatisfactory one, right?

Avoid or beware of any claims of "Zero Complaints" with the BBB...because you are either a.) satisfactory or b.) unsatisfactory.

Another key accreditation (there are about 20 you can look at...but...) is the ASTA, or American Society of Travel Agents. They have a code of Ethics that their members must follow.

If you are booking with a travel agent, check the above, but also, ask them whom they are using for their tour Company. Check BOTH out.

There are, as previously noted, about 20 accreditations that a Company can obtain. Really, you just pay a fee, and you're in. That's not really the best way to determine If they are good or not.

A few more things:

1. You and your friends call their office at the same time....figure out what happens when you do....are they using call waiting (might be a home office), or do they have a professional phone system, where they can put you on hold? This matters, because it indicates financial stability, and is good sign that they are able to provide you a good trip.
2. Ask questions. Ask a lot. Ask about clubs, parties, is your hotel guaranteed, etc. If your questions are answered fluidly without problem, that's a good thing, if they are stumbling around....they might be rookies.
3. Ask for all prices in writing before you book, and do NOT book with a Company that cannot guarantee you no last minute "fuel or security surcharges" of upwards of $40-$65 per person --- it will piss your friends off, and Companies that do that are both unacceptable, and unethical (in fact this is also fraudulent in most cases, but it doesn't stop one heck of a lot of businesses from doing it.) The alternative to this is forcing you to buy the optional travelers insurance policy with the guarantee that if you do, you won't be charged this fake fee.
4. Do not book based strictly on "low price." Yes, we know you are a student, and want a great price -but a super low price will equate to super low service, and lots of disappointments. As you've probably heard before...if it sounds too good to be true...it probably is.
5. Pictures. The Company you are interested in booking with should have pictures of the destination, their onsite staff, and their hotels. If the site can't tell you the story visually, the Company might not be legit.

Ask for an email address of a hotel or property manager at the place you are looking to book, so you can independently check out & verify if this Company actually has room/condos booked to accommodate your group. If they cannot, or will not, they might be falsely advertising something that they cannot deliver.

Puerto Vallarta is best known for its wide, beautiful Bandaras bay that backs into the beautiful Sierra Madre mountain range & dense jungle. Puerto Vallarta is located in the Stete of Jalisco, in western Mexico.

Puerto Vallarta has been used since the 16th cent. as a stopover point for ships making long sails along the western coast. Today it is one of Mexico's largest resort developments, known for its sports fishing and luxurious facilities.

Puerto Vallarta is one of our fastest-growing destinations, with thousands of college students joining our party program. Puerto Vallarta offers a very first class array of water based activities like snorkeling, open water surfing, jet skiing, and not to mention, frequent whale sightings. One of PV's biggest draws is the fact that as a vacationer there, you'll get a nice mix of authentic Mexican culture, with that of some American familiar chains like Hard Rock Cafe.

Puerto Vallarta hotels are vast, true resorts that typically feature multiple restaurants, many pools, and a great beachfront expanse. Due to the fact that Puerto Vallarta is somewhat spread out, we do recommend at least considering the all inclusive hotel option, since it will save you & your group a lot of money, time, & frustration when you are down there, as restaurants can be quite distant.

Puerto Vallarta Spring Break rocks because:

• It's a unique, less traveled spring break spot
• The weather simply rocks, high 80's to low 90's
• Huge, expansive hotels that are truly resorts
• Bar scene at night instead of big nightclubs generally
• First class side trip offerings & service
• American restaurants & food with their familiarity, mixed in with some authentic Mexican cuisine choices
• Student friendly, they're ready for you

Puerto Vallarta blows because:

• The price -- it's not the lowest cost destination for spring break in terms of spending money
• It's kind of spread out - making the all inclusive hotel option almost a necessity
• PV is not super packed with college students during spring break...you'll see plenty of fellow travelers, but it's not ultra packed up
• Water clarity of the Pacific Ocean is not anything near what Cancun has, for example

Girl to Guy Ratio:

Girls: 60%
Guys: 40%

Puerto Vallarta is a very spread out destination, meaning a 15 to 20 minute cab ride at prime time "go out" time is commonplace. When selecting a hotel, inquire about how close it is to the downtown, or "Malecon" (Mal E cone) which is the big beach boulevard with all the bars & clubs. No where is really walking distance - if you know this before you go, you'll be very pleased overall - as the hotels there are really great.

Stay away from properties located in "Nuevo Vallarta" - it's just too darn far away from the bars & restaurants on the meal plan (20+ minute cab rides can get expensive).

Also, please, don't buy into the "we won't be in the hotel much anyway." You will, especially in Puerto Vallarta because it lacks a "hot spot" beach bar to go to during the day, pretty much everyone chills by their hotel pool - so the hotel pool IS THE most important factor when doing your hotel selection. The Krystal, for one, is insane.

Really quick, we'll recommend a few...this list is NOT exhaustive...but based on location, and being on spring break, these are where to stay: (if you're not a spring breaker, avoid these!)

For the first time, you'll need to have your Passport ready. Don't have a a passport? Call us for details as we can expedite this process for you. This process to get through customs will take about 30 minutes once you arrive in Puerto Vallarta, so be mentally prepared for this. Bags take forever to come out as well, allow about another 30 minutes for that, then tack on another 30 minutes for everyone to load the bus. Finally, it will take about 30 minutes to get to your hotel, and another 30 minutes for check in.

In other words, from the moment you step off of the plane, to the moment that you set your bags on your bed in your room at your hotel, it will take 2 1/2 hours, give or take a few. Being prepared to be patient will make you and your group have a much better start to their vacation.

Buy one. Buy the best one offered. While laying out $180-$220 right away sucks, these packages are time-tested, and offer a good value. We don't care if you're traveling with us or not, you should buy one no matter what.

Also, once you do, don't think that "you're done spending money" because this is Puerto Vallarta, one of Mexico's nicest destinations. Party Packages guarantee student tour operators are there, (spring break tour companies), and they have a base-line of students to get the party started.

Guys: Bring a minimum of $600 USD or don't go.
Girls: Bring a minimum of $450 USD or don't go.

Why more for the Guys? You gotta tip the bartenders like a rock star, EVEN IF it is open bar, just to get a drink. Then, you have a lady friend in tow, and you are spending $5 per two drinks.

Hopefully, your vacation package includes this. If it does not, do NOT buy it from the Mexicans hawking (selling) it inside the airport by baggage claim.. All Inertia Tours packages to Puerto Vallarta include round trip transfers through our travel affiliate partners - don't buy it. If you're confused where to go, ask ANY American staff member from a spring break tour company, and they can assist you. The staff will have on bright shirts, with staff badges on. Tell them who you traveled with.

Some properties need a credit card open, or a cash deposit to insure against any damages. It's important to just keep all of your receipts, this is Mexico after all.

Remember, tipping the bell captain/boy is a must here. Not doing so can result in later theft from your room! $1 USD per person is fine.

Inquire at check in about safety deposit boxes. You'll probably be required to put down a cash deposit for the key to the box, but use it for your passports/birth certificates/drivers licenses AND TOURIST VISAS (you won't need these again until you leave...as well as any cash or travelers checks you have.

Carry no more than $80 USD at a time. You can change your money at the Casas de Cambio located up and down the strip - avoid changing money at the hotel. Funny thing is, you can get the BEST exchange rate by using your ATM card - there is no fee to do so either, REGARDLESS of where you bank! Also, Senor Frogs & Carlos Obriens give kick ass exchange rates too.

QUICK TIP: Write down on a small piece of paper PROPINA and put it under clear ash tray by the phone. Propina means "Tip" in Mexico, you might as well get used to this fast. $2 USD per day per room is an ABSOLUTE MUST, it will a.) make your room super clean b.) facilitate you getting extra towels, called Toyas (spelled here as you would speak it) - it means towels. and c.) the maids not railing all of your stuff in your room while you are away! People who don't tip can get robbed! Think about it...if you guys are tipping, and the other rooms are not, who's shit are going to rail, yours, or theirs? That's an easy one. Mexicans are generally very honest, but if theft is problematic at the lower, non-American hotel chains.

While we understand your need for a "romantic" spring break walk at night, "just say no" because...if you happened to be boinking on the beach at night, the locals can a.) rob you b.) rape you or c.) the damn hotel security will threaten to take you to jail (they can't by the way, the beach IS federal property, not the hotels, but anyway)...so...you're naked, the locals take your clothes (which might have your money in it) and off they go. So, stay off of it at night.

Stay in groups. Be realistic...people hook up on spring break, it happens (wow, are you surprised)...just have one person you are with as a buddy that knows where you are going. We know people lie because they don't want others to know that they are hooking up, but seriously....just have one person that you trust to tell. If you ARE the buddy, don't make moral judgments that might cause your hooking up friend to lie to you. However, if someone is so intoxicated that they don't know what's up...help them please.

Guys too, guys can get wasted and rolled for their money at night. ALWAYS KEEP $10 USD IN YOUR POCKET...that's your money home on a cab. Put it in the bottom of your shoe or something....but MAKE SURE you have it. The hotels are generally too far from the Malecon party area to walk back (seriously).

Ok, since all of the hotels in Puerto Vallarta (practically all) claim to be "5 Star", they have locked down security. You are not allowed to bring back guests at night to your hotel property, or during the day at all inclusive hotel properties.

So, if you want to get your groove on at night, it's TOUGH if you don't know what you are doing. Our staff at the hotels sometimes sit in the lobby at 2 or 3 am. to watch people get cock-blocked at the front door. Making out with someone all only to be shut down at the worst possible time - the hotel front entrance.

Alas, we have beaten the system. Yes, it (like everything that is worth something in this life) will cost you some money. BEFORE your trip, buy a package (or bring at least 10) safety pins (small as possible). When you check into your hotel, the staff at the front desk will give you a hotel/security wristband. When you get back to your room, promptly cut it off cleanly on the underside of the bank, near where all the perforated holes are.

You can wear it out by "safety pinning" it back on to yourself. That first night you will out of luck. The next morning, remove the wristband, and go to the front desk WITH your ID. Tell them you threw it away, that you didn't know you had to keep it on because of all the confusion at check in, etc. They MIGHT give you another wristband at no charge. More than likely, you'll have to pay $30-$80 for a new one ($80 is the all inclusive hotels). Now, all of a sudden you have on your wristband, and you have a spare in your room to pin onto your guy or girl guests at night!

Be mindful not to get too trashed so that you forget to take it off your hook up, or you'll have to repeat the process, and it might not work a 2nd time!

Are expensive.. expect about $10 USD per way (entire cab fits 4 people). Girls, DO NOT TAKE CABS ALONE under any circumstances. It's not safe!