When can we move to Puerto Vallarta?

We shared a two bedroom unit with two other couples, my parents, and some friends. The suite was clean and comfortable, right down to the pullout beds.

We made great use of our kitchenette this trip, and it was nice to find it fully stocked with pots and pans, utensils, cleaning supplies, etc.

Even with six adults in the unit, it never felt crowded. Everyone had privacy and plenty of space to lounge around, although most of the lounging took place by the gorgeous pool.

Since the second we got home I have been trying to recreate the "made-fresh-at-your-table" guacamole experience we had at Pipi's with no luck. The food was fantastic and plentiful (I think most of us shared entrees), the drinks were never empty, and that GUAC! Oh man, I wish I was there right now.

One thing you'll never find lacking in PVR is great food. Check out some of our favorites:

Oscars (by the bridge) is a nice open air place on the river. Very romantic (ok, if you're not there with four other people that is).

Pipi's

There is a little place just as you enter the Marina that advertises $1 Coronas. The food was fantastic and practically free. And those dollar beers come with a free shot of tequila.

We went to the Fiesta at the Mayan Palace, which was incredible. Pricey, but worth it just for the food alone.

We spent most of our time at either the pool or the beach - how adventurous! The beach was really nice, and keep in mind this was nine days after the biggest hurricane to hit PVR in years.

It was fun to watch the big cruise ships come and go from the water.

All I have to say is two for one drinks and cage dancing. I mean really, what more could you want??

We had a great time at the Zoo...even the husbands danced in the cage. Must be a Puerto Vallarta thing.

If you're looking to shake your groove thang - or if you just like monkeys - go to The Zoo.

It's downtown; you can't miss it.

When I drug my overworked and overwhelmed self to my spouse's side this time last year and begged for a tropical vacation he nearly came out of his skin. How could I possibly think of spending so much money right now?

Strategy is important when you initiate a conversation like that. And because I feel that everyone has a God given right to spend at least one week a year drinking their lunch out of a pineapple, I'll share my tactics with you here.

1) You own a timeshare, use it. That part is easy.

2) Friday to Friday is going to get you much better airfare than Sunday to Sunday. Trust me on this one. That was the one area of poor planning on my part. And, there are more flights that you can use your FF Miles for on Fridays.

3) Mexico is warm. Pack light. Use the extra space in your suitcase for food. We agreed before we left that we would budget for only dinners out. If your room has a kitchenette it's easy to eat breakfast and lunch in your room. (I prefer it actually, otherwise your bound to blow your pre-vacation diet on cheeseburgers by the pool.)

Things to pack:
Tuna comes in a pouch now. It's about twice as much as in a can, and it's light and easy to pack. You can do a lot with Tuna. Keep reading.

Lipton noodles. We like the white shells and cheddar with a little tuna thrown in. Mmmm. Also the sundried tomato is good with a tuna sandwich.

Lipton soup packets. Not only are they light, easy, and tasty, but they came in really handy when my mom had a nasty headache and wanted food that tasted like home.

We also brought a small jar of peanut butter, granola bars, and those little teeny boxes of cereal. Then when we got there we headed to the nearest store for fruit, milk, bread, water, beer, etc.

(If you're rolling your eyes at all this then clearly you are in a different situation than I was in. Go ahead, eat out for every meal, I would have if I could have!)

3) Take the bus. It's about $.40 vs. $4.00 to get downtown. It was easy to catch, and we felt very safe. It also counts as the "adventure" part of our trip, right?

4) If you can't do every side trip or adventure tour this trip, don't worry about it! Chances are your penny pinching spouse will fall so in love with PVR and your budget savvy vacation, you'll be back next year with a list of things you want to do.