Planning a Trip to Mexico?

Question: Where is a perfect place to be when the north wind is howling in most of the lower 48 states in the United States, in Canada, and in many other parts of the world? Say, for instance, January when it feels like a heat wave if the temperature even reaches 20 degrees Fahrenheit.

Answer: Pack up your bags, grab the passport and head for the tropical ambiance of Acapulco, Mexico! If you leave frigid January temperatures, be assured that you will be able to feel warm breezes of around 80 degrees in January. Arrival will take just as long as your plane flight lasts.

And if you hit a rare "cool period" in January for Acapulco? Fear not, it is not often that the temperature will fall below 65 degrees in January. When you are packing, it would be a good idea to add a light sweater, but chances are that it won't be seeing the light of day in Acapulco.

Is Acapulco Exciting? Will I Be Bored?

It would be a difficult task to find a traveler who would say that they found Acapulco boring. Known for its nightlife, the resort area is one of those cities that never sleeps. In fact, if you enjoy clubbing and also daytime activities, I am not sure that I can recommend a good time to sleep at all while visiting Acapulco!

If you find that paradise is boring or a spectacular sunset unmatched in most places in North America is boring, then I can say with tongue firmly planted in cheek that yes, Acapulco matches the criteria of a boring city.

Aren't Those Famous Cliff Divers in Acapulco?

Actually yes, they are. They are called the La Quebrada divers and they do their diving act every day. In fact, the dives take place five times each day. This is definitely one thing not to miss in Acapulco. For their last show of the night, the dives are done with torches and it's a lovely sight.

Believe it or not, La Quebrada was formed in 1934 and the divers have been thrilling tourists ever since. For something to withstand more than 70 years and still be such an attraction is quite an accomplishment!

What About the Beaches?

How about miles and miles of beautiful white sand? How about palm trees and warm breezes while enjoying those beaches? Acapulco offers this. One of the best things about this resort area is that you will be able to have a modern hotel with all the amenities, and often located right on the beach.

In addition to sunbathing, swimming, and other customary beach activities, Acapulco beaches are never far away from some of the most memorable dining the traveler will ever experience as well as awesome shopping.

If you are into snorkeling, diving, or parasailing, this is a perfect choice for those activities, too.

Acapulco Sports? That's Bull!

Well yes, it is! Visitors will be able to catch some bullfighting if enjoying Acapulco any time between November and April. One of Mexico's largest arenas is found here. Watching a bullfighting match certainly won't thrill everyone vacationing in Acapulco, but it is surely very different than anything seen in other parts of the world so perhaps worth a little bit of the traveler's time.

Okay, I'm Convinced. What Else Does Acapulco Offer?

This one's easy because there are many activities for every member of a family. If your interest is all things water related, try Magico Mundo Marino. After seeing the aquarium, rent a jet ski or kayak or simply spend some time at the pools. There are shows with some of the animals, too.

Magico Mundo Marino is also a good place to grab a ride on a glass bottomed boat to see a famous Acapulco attraction. This boat ride, as well as others that are offered around Acapulco, will take riders to see the Virgin of Guadalupe statue which is, of course, sunken under water, but not far enough that it can't be seen through those boats with clear bottoms.

There is a zoo on the beach island of Isla la Roqueta. Diving is great at this part of Acapulco and visitors to this beach can also grab one of those boats to see the Guadalupe statue. If you are into windsurfing, try this area.

If your interest is in historical things, see the old fort named El Fuerte de San Diego. It was Acapulco's protection from pirates in the days when they sailed the high seas. There is a museum on the premises, too.

Speaking of pirates and old time galleons, see a Spanish galleon in Acapulco's Papagayo Park. The park is filled with tropical birds, so have those cameras ready for the birds and gardens.

How Will I Have Enough Time for All This?

Acapulco has a true abundance of activities. I didn't even mention all the golf courses or fishing of the deep sea kind. I didn't mention finding a horse to rent for a thrilling ride. I didn't even mention all of the cruises that depart from Acapulco constantly for sails around the area. I highly suggest a dinner cruise at sunset.

It doesn't matter which activities will find their way to your agenda, just be sure to have a regular camera and movie camera with you to record your great memories of a trip to paradise.

A Couple of Cautions, Too

As with other international travel, be sure you have your passport up to date before traveling to Acapulco. Know how to contact the embassy of your own country and keep the information on your person. Be watchful of bags at the airport and keep an eye open for people who make it a point to scam vacationers.

Don't walk around the beaches or anywhere else alone for that matter. Drug dealers are not afraid to approach vacationers, but this is not a problem just in Acapulco and it happens at many world resort areas. Do a little research about the area before boarding the plane and all should be fine. Use precautions that are used for any international travel.