Sayonara Tijuana!

Tijuana, Rosarito, and Ensenada are a few of the cities within Mexico us vacationers have been visiting for years. The cheap bargains and great seafood has been a hit for as long as I have had two feet, and that can go back to the days in the womb. However, upon recent years things have changed in Mexico. What, you may ask. Here are some misconceptions many travelers (first time) may have of these cheap Mexican getaway's:

Myth: Cheap bargains. Lots of cool souvenirs for CHEAP!
Truth: The natives have figured it out. They are selling stuff too cheap! So what did they do? Sell cheaply made things for a lot more and less authentic souvenirs.

Myth: Hotels will be cheaper.
Truth: YES, if you stay away from the beach. Peak seasons? Almost all the time with all the partying that goes on down there.

Myth: The food is authentic.
Truth: Yes, of course it is. It's Mexico after all! However, you can go to a less populated part of Mexico and get just as good authentic Mexican food.

The fact of the matter is that these parts of Mexico are now over populated tourist areas. Shopping has increased prices every year due to the amount of tourists coming around. The landmarks to view are few and in more secluded parts of Mexico are much older and have great history (Cancun is one!)

If you want to get drunk, dance at a cheap club, eat some lobster, and buy 3 overly priced silver (that aren't really silver) rings, then Tijuana, Rosarito Beach, and Ensenada are your destinations. Although, if you want some history, major landmarks, adventure, lobster, and a less crowded area, then I suggest the following areas in Mexico:

1. Puerto Vallarta is beginning to get a bit touristy. Go before it gets packed! It is definitely a great introduction to the tropical side of Mexico. Films such as Predator were filmed here. You can also go cable gliding (only exists in Costa Rica and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico) through the tops of the trees.

2. Mazatlan is not necessarily the best destination you may think, but it's true value lies upon it's streets. It shows you how people live and get by and gives you a great perspective on poverty as well as riches in Mexico. Educational with an A+

3. Guadalajara is one of the biggest cities within Mexico. The great part of Guadalajara is that inside it has numerous towns filled with different families. If you are looking for culture and a great city this is the place to go to. Not by the beach, however, but just as great!

4. Cancun is considered a party central city. Let's break it down, if you go during spring break you will probably find this out! If you go during off season you will learn about some of the most amazing people; the Mayans. There are numerous ruins in Cancun with great background.

5. Ixtapa has some of the most beautiful beaches. If you want scenery then Ixtapa is your destination!

The better the experience, the deeper into Mexico you must go. If you want a tourists paradise then, by all means, stay on the outskirts but it'll never have anything on the real beauty of Mexico and it's people's history.