February 20, 2009

You don’t need me to tell you that times are tough economically. Exotic travel to a romantic beach resort seems like nothing more than a dream at the moment for so many. But the need to escape the bone chilling winter that has hit North America is as great as ever. And the kids are as antsy as ever having spent so much time in-doors.

So is your only answer to wait? Wait until the economy turns round? How difficult will it be to postpone that rejuvenating trip for two or three or four years?

Well maybe I have found a thrifty way to feel that warm sand under your feet. Maybe there is a place where couples can go to reawaken that passion that ebbs under the stresses of our daily routine. A place where parents can take kids to frolic on the beach or jump on a kayak and paddle their little hearts out. A place where you can relax and decompress.

The answer is no further than that airplane headed for Mazatlan, Mexico. Air fares are reasonable as fuel costs have plummeted. The dollar will buy you 13 or 14 pesos. The food is great. Daytime temperatures are in the 80’s and nights in the 60’s. There are few destinations with as much to offer so reasonably.

I spent four calming and revitalizing days on those sunny beaches just two weeks ago. The ocean was blue. The deep sea fishing first class.The beaches uncrowded. The people open and friendly.

Picture yourself slapping on some sun screen, grabbing a good book and letting the sun’s rays warm your soul. Or jump on a boat and bag a marlin. Stroll up and down the streets finding that perfect bargain. Sit in an open air restaurant sipping a nice glass of wine while dining on gourmet food as the tropical breezes carry your worries out to sea. It’s all there and surprisingly inexpensive.

I found all this and more at a beach front hotel called Las Flores Beach Resort. The rooms were spacious, with wonderful little kitchens and the staff genuinely accommodating and pleasant. Mere steps from your room to the beach, restaurants, beautiful shops and music to enjoy in all directions.

Maybe you really can’t afford to get away right now. But how much more efficient will you be at work and patient with the kids having taken a few days to re-energize? So if you can find the means and want a wonderfully thrifty way to treat yourself and your family to a special and refreshing getaway, then consider the beaches of Mazatlan. Who knows it may become a habit.