It’s not an island, but Mexico is a great place to go for a warm weather, beach, ocean vacation. While many of Mexico’s destinations have gotten very touristy (Is that a word?) like Cabo and Cancun, I have had some great experiences in Mexico, especially in Puerto Vallarta.

I spent the week of my 40th birthday in Puerto Vallarta with some friends. We actually stayed a little north in Nuevo Vallarta, in a great all-inclusive resort right on Banderas Bay.

Because Puerto Vallarta lies on Bahia Banderas, the second largest natural bay in North America and has over 100 miles of coast line, it is a haven for anyone who enjoys any type of beach activity, from whale watching to parasailing. Bungee jumping over the Pacific, windsurfing, snorkeling, scuba diving, jet skiing or fishing are yours for the asking. The surf, at most beaches is normally very calm and safe for swimming year around

Plus, for me, it is a great place to enjoy the warm Gulf of Mexico waters without hearing the Jaws theme every time you go in the ocean (I’ve talked about that in prior blogs), why no Jaws theme you ask?

Banderas Bay is a horseshoe shaped bay that is occupied by hundreds of bottle nosed dolphins. Because it’s a breeding ground, the dolphins patrol the mouth of the bay, driving away any sharks that try to enter! Safe swimming!

It was a great vacation, alternating between great activities like horseback riding through the mountains, sailing and snorkeling across the bay, to days of lying in the shade on the beach, reading, sleeping, eating and swimming in the warm tropical waters. Ahhhh, it was great.

I’m looking to take a break from my UFirst business for our annual February trip. In the last vote by my travel group, taking a cruise was still in the lead, but we’ve been finding some great deals to Mexico, so it’s making a run as our destination. I would go back there anytime.

Recently a friend of mine commented on my blog. “You know, your title isn’t accurate, you don’t just love islands, Mexico’s not an island.”

She got me. You could take it from my title that I just love “Islands”. What I really love and will write about are ocean and beach destinations. I love the ocean, even though the movie “Jaws” scared the crap out of me when I was a kid and made it so I can’t go in the ocean without hearing that DunDuh,DunDuh,DunDuh, soundtrack in my head! Damn you Spielberg!

I fell in love with ocean the first time I saw it. I was 18 and we went down to Daytona Beach as a graduation trip. I was just awed at its size. Being a kid from the Midwest the only thing I knew were the cornfields of Illinois and the skyscrapers of Chicago. I’ve been hooked ever since.

So, while Islands are great, I also love the beaches of Mexico, California, the Florida Keys and anywhere else I can smell the salt air. So don’t let the title fool you.

It gets a little nippy here in the Midwest. 22 degrees this morning. Come February, 22 degrees might be a warm front, as it is not unusual for subzero weather here in the heartland.

So while most people are planning their holidays, what to serve for Thanksgiving, which sweater to get Uncle Fred, we’re planning our annual February “I can’t take this weather anymore” pilgrimage.

For many years it was a trip to the laid back Florida Keys. “Wasting away again in….”, ok we all know the song and the words, but the Keys has much more to offer.

Excellent diving and snorkeling, and fishing. Excellent food (you haven’t lived until you’ve had a conch fritter), and a great laid back atmosphere.

We broke that pattern a few years ago with a trip to Maui. I can write for days about Maui, and I probably will, but I won’t bore you now.

Then it was Mexico. Puerto Vallarta and Acapulco

What to do this year? Expense is always a factor, as we have a friends 50th birthday trip to Australia to budget for, so where should we go?

Your suggestions will be appreciated and I’ll keep you up do date on our research and decision!