Posted by Roxanna McDade on Mon, Dec 21, 2009 @ 02:30 PM
10. Buneulos - sweet fritters cooked up for the holidays.
9. Rocky Point - beach only 66 miles from the U.S. border with Arizona!
8. Piñatas - who doesn't like to bang on a piñata until Christmas sweets come rushing out.
7. Rosarito - beach only 20 miles from the U.S. border with California!
6. Ponche con Piquete - a hot punch made with blends of seasonal fruit, a shot of wine or spirits, served with a cinnamon stick.
5. Tamales & Atole (corn gruel) - Deeelicious traditional Christmas foods.
4. Bathing suits.
3. Tourism down, U.S. Recession = LOW Prices and GREAT DEALS
2. A white Christmas - on white sandy beaches, that is!
...and the number one reason to visit Mexico for the Holidays...
1. It's the most festive time of the year in Mexico, the best for celebrations!
Posted by Roxanna McDade on Mon, Dec 21, 2009 @ 12:25 PM
Playa de Rosarito
The Mexican auto insurance professionals at Mexpro.com have a recommendation for the Holidays...Rosarito Beach. Located just a short 20 miles from the U.S. border with California Playa de Rosarito offers four miles of white, sandy beaches and so much more!
Playa de Rosarito, Rosarito Beach, was first inhabited by the Kumiai Indians, who called it "Uacatucay" meaning "the big house". In the 1920's the first highway was built linking San Diego to Rosarito. Easy access and prohibition in the U.S. encouraged travel there. A glamorous hotel and casino soon took the place of the little fishing huts that had previously dominated the village, and it's grown as a tourist destination since then.
Until December 1, 1995 Rosarito Beach was considered one of Tijuana's suburbs. But on that date, it was officially incorporated and became the city of Rosarito.
Click here to read more on the history of Playa de Rosarito.
Rosarito has tons of activities to keep you busy during your stay there. Shopping, surfing, ATV riding, horse back riding, bicycling, beach volleyball, wine tours and tasting, whale watching, fishing and golf offer more than enough action and entertainment.
Shopping:
Rosarito has nearly 500 souvenir shops, so save your Christmas shopping for when you get there.
Avenida Revolucion offers eight blocks of shopping and over 150 shops. You can purchase almost anything Mexican hand-made at bargain prices, including: sterling silver jewelry, leather goods, baskets, pottery, blankets and more. You can use U.S. dollars to purchase, making it very convenient.
Plaza Rio is a shopping center with several boutiques, leather goods and electronics shops. Items bought here can be purchased duty-free.
Plaza Zapato meaning "Shoe Shop" is a two-story mall offering half-price deals on a large array of shoes and boots. You can't beat that!
The local market Mercado Hidalgo offers all sorts of Mexican cooking utensils, Aztec grains and a variety of chilies, spices, Mexican candies and much more.
Fishing & Eating:
Puerto Nuevo (Newport) is a fishing village located only 15 miles south of Rosarito. The lobster from Puerto Nuevo is famous and is served there, as well as in numerous restaurants in Rosarito.
Events/Activities:
Each year Rosarito hosts around 30 sporting/tourist events. These include the annual Rosarito-Ensenada bike ride, which has drawn nearly 20,000 riders in past years. In addition you can find ATV competitions that take place at local dunes, beach volleyball tournaments, biathlons, triathlons, and 5 and 10 K runs.
Nochebuena (ChristmasEve) - December 24
Nochebuena celebrates the eve of the nativity of Jesus. Tamales and atole or champurrado are the traditional food served for this holiday.
Other Holiday Celebrations Include:
- Navidad (Christmas) - December 25
- Los Santos Inocentes (Day of the Holy Innocents) - December 28
- Año Nuevo (New Years Day) - January 1
- Dia de los Santos Reyes (Day of the Holy Kings - three wise men) - January 6
No matter what time of year you visit Rosarito; you're sure to have a great visit. Yet, the holiday season is one of the most festive and jovial times to enjoy this quaint town by the sea.
Don't forget your Mexican auto insurance offered by the professionals at Mexpro.com. Purchase and print online just minutes before you drive south!
Resources:
http://www.rosaritobeach.net/
http://www.rosarito.org/
http://www.rosaritoinfo.com/
http://www.rosaritobeach.net/calander/12december.htm
http://www.globosapiens.net/mistybleu-travelogue/Rosarito
Posted by Roxanna McDade on Mon, Dec 14, 2009 @ 08:46 AM
LAREDO, Texas /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — For 12 years, the City of Laredo has hosted a Paisano Rest Stop to help Mexican citizens returning home from throughout the U.S. have a smoother experience as they return home for the holidays. This unique bi-national project is offered only in Laredo, Texas. The City of Laredo Convention & Visitors Bureau works with the Mexican General Consulate to set-up the rest stop; however, there are many city, state and federal departments and agencies from both sides of the border who come together to provide this service to the paisanos.
This year, the Paisano Rest Stop will be set-up at IH-35 southbound, just off Mile Marker 13 and is set to begin Friday, December 18, at 12 noon and ends at 12 noon on Sunday, December 20, 2009. For 48 continuous hours, the rest stop is staffed with individuals from various agencies, to help review all documents necessary for travelers, as well as any goods or vehicles they may be taking into Mexico. Additionally information about bridge wait times and crossings is given, as well as directions, refreshments, restroom facilities and simply, an opportunity to rest and stretch their legs before continuing on their journey.
This unique binational effort welcomes these often weary travelers and gives them invaluable one stop shop of resources, among the many services provided they can also take advantage of:
– Tourism information, such as hotel listings and restaurants;
– U.S. Customs regulations for their return trip;
– Legitimate nationalization processing business listing;
– Complaint and crime reporting procedures with the Mexican Consulate
and other local agencies;
– Volunteer mechanic on standby/on-call to make initial inspection and
do minor car repairs;
– Mexican immigration regulations and forms;
– Free copies.
All of this is done with a smile and of course, in their native language.
“The city of Laredo welcomes the paisanos,” said Laredo Mayor Raul G. Salinas. “We want their experience here to be positive, restful, and beneficial before they continue on their long journey into Mexico. That is why we host the Paisano Rest Stop to help facilitate their crossing experience and encourage all citizens in Laredo to help them feel welcome. Laredo, Texas does appreciate the work these Mexican citizens are doing in the United States,” Salinas concluded.
Motorists will see and hear signage and radio messages posted starting from San Antonio on south. Local, state and federal officials patrol the roadside on IH-35 South, to offer any assistance to paisanos who might need support of any kind, including security, traffic control support, and road side assistance.
For more information about the Paisano Rest Stop, paisanos should call the Laredo Convention & Visitors Bureau at 800-381-3360 or visit http://www.paisano.gob.mx/.
Posted by Roxanna McDade on Mon, Nov 30, 2009 @ 11:32 AM
By Roxanna McDade
El Golfo de Santa Clara, called “El Golfo”, is a small, peaceful fishing village located just 60 miles south of Yuma, Arizona. Expansive white beaches on the lovely Sea of Cortez host pelicans and many other shore birds. The area is also known for its miles of sand dunes.
One can camp anywhere along the beach. RV parks and hotels can be found along the beach, as well.
Some of the activities one can enjoy while in El Golfo include:
- Visiting shrimp farms.
- Exploring abandoned salt mines.
- Fishing in the protected Biosphere.
- Bird watching in the protected Biosphere.
- Scuba diving or snorkeling on massive reefs.
- Touring the extensive sand dunes.
- Guided fishing trips.
- Rent ATV’s.
- Lounging in the sun and surf.
The few restaurants in the small town of El Golfo serve delicious seafood (El Delfin recommended), great tacos and ice cream. It is easy to buy fresh produce, fish and meat. Be sure to clean produce well with purified water.
The beach stretches on for 30 miles or more south, one can drive or walk, watching the fishing boats (pongas). Beaches are virtually deserted--the perfect place for a Mexican holiday. Be sure to drive on the beach rather than the hard pack, which is deceptively difficult to maneuver.
Check the tide charts before you set up camp. The tides are crazy, fluctuating 20 feet or more. A camping spot could quickly be under water if one does not pay attention to the tides.
A 28-mile beach excursion from El Golfo to the "2nd light house" is a nice day-trip. There are miles of trails with amazing views of the sea, mountains and desert around El Golfo.
One of the El Golfo websites describes the area as follows: "If you like sand and sea, you will love El Golfo! El Golfo is one of the best-kept secrets in the Western Hemisphere."
For more information, check out these websites:
http://www.gulfofsantaclara.com/
http://www.visitelgolfo.com/?hop=swg8open
Before driving to El Golfo for your Mexican holiday, don't forget to purchase Mexican car insurance from www.Mexpro.com.
Posted by Roxanna McDade on Mon, Nov 23, 2009 @ 11:59 AM
If you’re looking for a holiday experience, a bit out of the norm and warmer than where you are now, consider Mexico. There are all sorts of activities taking place now through January. Mexico is well known for it’s colorful tapestries and festive atmosphere. The colors and excitement are even more vibrant during the holidays. Whether you plan to go there or not, here’s what’s happening…
November 13 - 28: Morelia's International Music Festival
Morelia, Michoacan
Now in it’s 20th year, this year’s festival is dedicated to Argentina. Some the most scenic parts of Morelia feature musicians from the world over.
http://www.festivalmorelia.com.mx/
November 25 - 29: National Antique Show
Saltillo, Coahuila
Antique dealers from all over Mexico congregate in Saltillo to share their treasures at the National Antique Show. Live music and educational programs are featured, as well.
http://www.muestraantiguedades.com/
November 28 - December 6: 23rd Annual Guadalajara International Book Fair
Guadalajara, Jalisco
The Guadalajara International Book Fair is the largest Spanish book festival in the world, with Spanish language books from 39 countries.
http://www.fil.com.mx/ingles/i_index.asp
December 1 - 4 : 4th Annual Air Balloon Festival
Leon, Guanajuato
The largest Balloon festival in Latin America, this international event hosts more than 60 hot air balloons. http://www.festivaldelglobo.com.mx/
December 1 – 30: Campeche's International Festival
Campeche, Campeche
Since 1997 this festival has been celebrating the heart of Campeche, it’s historic city center, declared a World Heritage site in 1999 by UNESCO. Festival activities include music and several arts demonstrations. A Christmas finale is held in the atrium of the city center’s monumental cathedral.
http://www.portal.camp.gob.mx/C2/C15/festivalcentrohistorico/default.aspx
December 2 – 6: Annual Rhythms, Colors and Flavors Festival
Los Cabos, Baja SurCalifornia
The Rhythms, Colors and Flavors festival celebrates the music, art and food of Baja California Sur. Los Cabos, La Paz, Todos Santos and Cabo del Este also participate in the festival. Revenues from the festivities support firefighters and the Red Cross of the area.
December 2 – 6: Vallarta Film Festival
Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco
http://www.vallartafilmfestival.com/
December 3 - 8: Fly All-Release Sailfish Challenge
Ixtapa / Zihuatanejo,Guerrero
A fishing tournament for the preservation of the sailfish.
December 5 - 6: 10th Annual Great Pacific Marathon
Mazatlan, Sinaloa
5K and 10K races with more than 6500 participants.
http://www.maraton.org/ (in Spanish only)
December 6 - 11: Annual International Tequila Festival
Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco
This is the first year for the week-long Tequila festival, which will feature tequila, champagne, bourbon, sake and other spirits. Music and live performances will also take place during the event.
December 7 - 11: World WBS Billfish Tournament
Mazatlan, Sinaloa
Get ready to reel in some amazing prizes at the annual world billfish tournament, like a Mercedes Benz.
December 12: Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe (Fiesta de la Virgin de Guadalupe)
Nationwide, (most prevalent in Mexico City)
The most celebrated religious event of the year is marked by masses and celebrations of Mexico’s patron Saint. In Mexico City pilgrims congregate at the Basilica de Guadalupe to show appreciation.
December 12 - 21: Festival of San Cristobal de las Casas
San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas
This two-week festival in Chiapas includes a procession by the Tzotzil and Tzetzal Indians, marimba music and a parade of horses.
December 16 - 23: Feriade la Posada y Piñata
Acolman de Nezahualcoyotl, Estado de Mexico
Near Mexico City the Christmas traditions of piñatas and posadas are celebrated. Workshops in piñata-making are offered.
December 16: 12th ANNUAL MEXICAN POSADA
Ensenada, Baja California, 5pm – 9pm
Celebrate a traditional Mexican Posada at Ensenada's Centro Artesanal. Festivities begin at 5 p.m. with folklore, music and food of the Mexican culture. At 6 p.m. is a candlelight procession. Afterwards there will be a piñata-breaking party and dance with live music. There will also be an arts & crafts fair and traditional Mexican Christmas foods for sale. Free.
http://www.ensenada.com/events/december.html
December 16 - 24: Posadas de Navidad
Nationwide
During the nine days before Christmas, Posadas or parties take place that reenact Mary & Joseph’s search for an inn prior to the birth of Jesus. Every night street processions lead to a party at a pre-arranged house that is to symbol the inn that accepts Mary & Joseph.
December 23: Festival of the Radishes (Festival de los Rabanos)
Oaxaca, Oaxaca
Local craftsmen fill stalls in the city displaying carvings made from the local radish crop. Flowers, animals, nativity scenes and saints are some of the elaborate pieces--made entirely from radishes!
December 24: Las Calendas
Oaxaca, Oaxaca
The districts of Oaxaca City prepare floats and costumes for processions held throughout the city. The parades feature marmotas (translucent paper spheres lit from within and carriedaloft on poles) and giant paper mache people whose arms flop around as the personhidden inside dances.
December 24: Nochebuena
Nationwide
The last posada takes place on Christmas Eve, "Nochebuena." Families have a late-night supper. In cities there are calendas, festive processions and other events.
December 25: Christmas
Nationwide
December 31: Liberation of the Turtles
Ixtapa / Zihuatanejo, Guerrero
Hotels participate in a special marine animal protection program, which includes collecting and protecting turtle eggs until they hatch and are ready for release. The releasing event symbolizes the beginning of a new year of hope for the turtles.
December 31: Año Nuevo- New Year's Eve
Mexico City
A huge celebration takes place in Mexico City's Zocalo Square, the second largest square in the world. Vibrant parties continue well into the New Year. The tradition for this event is to fill empty eggshells with confetti and colorful liquids (usually food coloring) – so be sure not to wear your best clothing.
Click here to obtain information for crossing the border into Mexico for the holiday.
Posted by Roxanna McDade on Fri, Nov 20, 2009 @ 11:35 AM
By Roxanna McDade
We’ve received questions from customers regarding insurance coverage on gifts while traveling to Mexico over the holidays. I found statistics stating that domestic burglaries do increase during the holidays, but could not find anything specific on theft while traveling to or visiting Mexico at Christmastime.
However, I have discovered information on insurance coverage on gifts. Unfortunately, Mexpro.com’s Tourist Auto insurance does not cover the contents of your vehicle while visiting Mexico, but a homeowner’s contents policy generally does.
The National Alliance of Insurance Education and Research states that an insured’s personal property is covered on a homeowners policy, whether owned or used, while it is anywhere in the world. Generally, the limit of liability for “other than resident premises” personal property coverage is 10% of the limit of liability, or $1000, whichever is greater.
Items not covered on a homeowners personal property policy include: animals, birds, fish and property of roomers, boarders and other tenants.
When traveling to Mexico for Christmas with valuable gifts, Mexpro.com recommends you do the following:
- Contact your home or rental insurer to make sure you have home contents insurance. Be sure you are covered when you are visiting Mexico. Get the limits of your policy from your insurer. Get information on the claims process, so you will be prepared in the event your gifts do get stolen in Mexico.
- Keep receipts and photos of gifts; this will make it much easier if there is a claim.
I spoke with a customer service representative from AAA Arizona www.aaaaz.com (866-298-1232) and was told if you have a property or renters insurance policy through AAA your contents are covered anywhere in the world. The contents coverage is built into the property and renters policies. The limits depend on the policy you’ve chosen.
Hopefully, your holidays will be filled with joy and ease while visiting Mexico. Aid the relaxation process by preparing ahead for unwelcome events.
Click here to get information on crossing the border into Mexico.