deirdreboyd

Hi. I'm trying to plan a Christmas vacation for my extended family and am having a really hard time deciding where to go. So here is what we're hoping to find, and maybe someone has some good advice for us:
-Warm weather (80s at least)
-Warm ocean water (does that mean the Pacific is out???)
-Kid friendly, but also nice for my 86 year old father
-No car rental if we can help it
-Quiet, authentic, but tourist friendly (not TOO off the beaten path) with a nice town and restaurants/shops
-fun beginner surfing
We're looking to rent a house on VRBO for under $3000 for a week or 10 days, which seems to be out there, and also hoping to find somewhere that won't kill us on airfare (hoping for between $500-$700, which is a lot but about the best we'll find for the holidays).
We'd really like to do Mexico since it must be so much fun at Christmas, and because the airfare is reasonable (From Denver and San Francisco). I've been checking out Sayulita, but that seems to be pretty booked up. So does San Pancho. What about Chacala? Too remote? Or should we be looking on the Carribean side? Or should I be looking in the Carribean altogether? Any suggestions? thanks so much.
-Deirdre

suze

Puerto Vallarta

JPinBC

How about Bucerias? Great beach location, with all the amenities of a small town at hand, and the city of Puerto Vallarta not too far away, when/if desired.
Lovely location, small, very friendly town, with restaurants, bars, shopping, flea market, etc. Flat, easy to navigate streets and walks. Pretty town square.
I think it would make a great location for you and your family over Christmas .. but don't delay with your booking, suspect most places are already booked for the holidays (it's a busy time in Mexico).
Good luck with the planning!

suze

Playa del Carmen

Ronga

I've been to Playa del Carmen. It fits what your family needs. I found great Resort prices at BookIt.com You can probably get 10 days with 3 small suites for around $3,000.00 and be pampered a little bit.

Let us know what you decide: )

mymexico

Chacalla is wonderful...you would love it if you like a "native" feeling about your vacation, and I say that in the most positive way...there are no big hotels there, just Mar de Jade, and some guesthouses...very authentic. Also, Rincon de Guayabitos is a Mexican resort near La Penita...halfway between San Pancho and Chaccala...it has some nice places...simple accomodations with a gorgeous beach.