Grab Your Passport : Mazatlan Mexico

Looking to get away to an amazing place that isn't going to break your bank? This vacation is for the budget minded traveler and the type that isn't afraid of a little adventure. We are going South of the border to my native land, Mazatlan Mexico.

Getting there: Depending on where you are from and how outrageous airline prices are from you to Mexico, this is the only way to go for an eighth of the cost. Flying local airlines in foreign countries are so much cheaper than flying internationally. (Obviously not always and option but do it whenever you can) Now despite rumors of Tijuana being super dangerous and unsafe to travel through, their crime rate is no more than New York City or Los Angeles. Flights from Tijuana to Mazatlan if you book in advance are less than $100 round trip, bags included. Crossing the border with a lot of bags is a process so I suggest packing light. Once in Mexico, get a taxi to the airport for only $15. Wondering where to leave your car all week? Delta parking at Otay Mesa not only has great rates but will also drop off and pick up at the border back to your car. Only a 2 hour flight and you are in Paradise.

Where to Stay: The great thing about Mazatlan is there is something for everyone. Whether a family looking for a nice resort or a couple looking for a romantic getaway or a group of friends looking for a party, Mazatlan has it all. Depending on your budget will determine the type of place you will stay.

• We go with family so a resort next to the beach is the place for us! The Inn at Mazatlan is basically a second home for us and right in the middle of the Golden Zone with restaurants, shops and activities all within walking distance. 
• If you are a couple looking for a little more romance and escape from the crowds, Pueblo Bonito is the place for you. Immaculate facilities and gorgeous views from any room with its own private beach. 
• If you are there looking for a party and are strictly going to be in your room to sleep, and are willing to sacrifice amenities, there are plenty of hotels within walking distance to the beach for only $20 per night. Wherever you go, on or near the beach is a must!

Things to Do: If hanging out at the beach all day isn't enough for you, this list is to guarantee a good time.

• Surf's Up Bra: Playa Brujas is located on the north end of Mazatlan and is great for the novice surfer and experts alike. Early morning or sunset are the times to go. They have board rentals there along with lessons or you can rent a board and do your own thing. 
• Zip-Line through la jungla: This place is a great activity for a group looking for adventure. They shuttle you to and from this little village in the mountains with a stop along the way at a homemade empenada stand. With 10 different zipline canopys, you really get to test your limits linking up with others, going upside down, or backwards. After the zipline, they feed you the best food you will ever eat. The food alone is worth the 45 minute trip. Fall is the better time to do this activity because the trees are lush and full adding to the atmosphere. Make sure you don't get ripped off. Haggle prices because they will start high.
• Hike the Lighthouse: Not only is this a beautiful view at sunset but it's a nice little workout too. A quick hike to the top takes only about 30 minutes so plan accordingly to watch the sun dip behind the horizon.
• Take a walk on the boardwalk: Downtown there is so much to do! Little markets going on at night offer a fun atmosphere as you watch the cliff divers. Rent some bikes or roller blades and experience life as the locals do. Head to the local b-ball court and hit up the homies shootin hoops or go to a nearby park or show off your skills at the skate park. There is fun for everyone downtown.

Where to Eat: While there are so many good places to eat in Mazatlan, these places I crave year round.

• Las Brochetas: Theeeee best food you will ever eat in your whole life. Specialize in kabobs and beef they cook their meat with perfection and so much flavor your mouth will explode. Every meal comes with fresh tortillas. Don't be sketched out when you first arrive because it looks like a hole in the wall. It's delicious.
• Pedro & Lola's: Right in the heart of downtown Mazatlan, this fun restaurant always has live music and a great menu. Fresh fish, tender meat, and award winning crepes. There are a lot of restaurants in this square but make sure you find this one. When you are done with dinner walk a couple blocks to the cathedral for a beautiful sight. 
• Pancho's: This place has great food with an awesome atmosphere. Right on the beach, you will often see fire dancers, musicians the sunset from your table. Right by shops and jewelry stores, you can occupy your time while you wait for a table. Free ice cream at the end of every meal.
• F.I.S.H: if you are a seafood lover, this is the place for you. Great food, great prices and a super chill atmosphere with surfers everywhere. The staff is way cool and service is awesome.
•  Senor Frogs: This place has a sign right as you walk in that reads "if our food and service don't meet your standards, please lower your standards." and that is exactly what you get. The food is sub-par and the service sucks but it is a constant party. Such a fun atmosphere for all ages! Come back after hours for a fun club atmosphere!
• El Charly's Hot Dogs: Sounds sketchy but soo good! There are a lot of stands all in a row but don't be fooled. Charlys' is the best. Hot dogs wrapped in bacon topped with the works. Soo good.

I hope you enjoy your trip!

Nationally Parked: Arches/Moab

Moab, Utah

From March to October this place is swarming with Jeepers, Rafters, rock climbers, extreme hikers and anyone else decked out in Patagonia gear with perma sunglasses tan lines. But what about from November to February? Is the place just non existent? (Kind of, yes) but also the perfect time to go! You have the whole place to yourself! 

Since it's the off-season, you can find nice places to stay for less than $100 a night. (I would recommend somewhere with a hot tub since it's not the hottest time of the year) 

So what is there to do in a ghost time in the middle of winter? If you roam the streets, you will find that most have closed up shop for the dead season but there are a few gems that stay open year round. Our favorite is this little book store, Back Of Beyond Books has everything you would ever need. Couches in the back, old time post cards, handmade journals, games, and many more! You won't be disappointed by this Super Local stop. You can design your very own tee shirt to remember that one time you went to Moab. And...those might be the only places open other than restaurants...? If you are there during the busy season, stop at Quesadilla Mobilla! The on the go Mexican food truck! 

Arches National Park

Located only minutes outside of Moab with all of the same hiking trails available year round. For people who have never experienced this red rock roadway to heaven and only know it as the picture on the Utah license plate, you will be in awe stopping every two seconds for a new picture. 

If you don't have time for a full day of hiking, it is worth the $10 park entrance fee just to go for an afternoon drive. It doesn't matter which way you go, all roads lead to a successful day. 

If you only have one full day to hike, we recommend starting backwards. Get all the way in the park, and head straight to Devils Garden. Best time of the day is just before noon so you have the sun right above you. (Not the hike to do at night since it's slick in the winter) The trail has over 10 different hikes just passed the trailhead and 8 different arches to see. 

First things first, get to landscape arch. Pictures don't do this arch justice. (And it really doesn't look that cool until you are right below it with the sky behind) take the extra few minutes to go to the view point. The arch in length is longer than a football field! 

Next on the agenda, head to Double O Arch. The trail getting there is just as cool as the arch itself. It is literally a garden of red rock. (Take a quick detour as you pass the signs for Navajo and Partition Arch. Head to Partition and you can see Landscape arch from above.) Keep an eye out for the trail marker rocks since the trail is easy to lose. Once you get to where you can see the arch, you may find people sitting and think that is the end. Wrong. Keep going to the base of the arch. Climb through the lower "O" to the other side. If you climb up the back side and heights don't make you poop your pants, you can walk on top of the Big "O" (not advised if there is snow or ice on arch). Or the safer but less cool route is standing in the middle of the two arches! 

Depending on the time of day you get up there will determine where your best picture will be. (Before noon: just below the lookout spot. After noon: the back side of the arch, you get the sunny rock and the view through the "O") 

On your way back out, (if you have time) take the loop for private arch to get a new view as you pass through Devils Garden again.

Drive back down to Delicate Arch.  The goal is to catch Delicate for the later afternoon or around sunset for the best lighting off of the red rock. If you are at the trailhead by 4 you will get to the arch in time to hang out and wait for sunset. Delicate Arch is the monumental arch that attracts most people and when you see it, you will know why.

If you have a couple days, spend one whole day in the Devils Garden area and another day at the other arches. For high thrill seekers, get a permit for $4 and go explore Fiery Furnace, getting lost in the cracks and mazes (just not like in 127 hours). 

If you have a week, spend a couple days at Arches, a couple at Canyonlands and at least one to go rock crawling! 

There is so much within the park for everyone!

As you head out of town and aren't crunched for time, take a detour back to I-70 via Highway 128 along the Colorado River! Beautiful views of the river the entire drive! Only 30 minutes if you can resist stopping for pictures!