Travel

Travel Note

Before You Travel (Prepare at Home)

🚨 PASSPORT Make sure your passport is valid and not expired. While Mexico technically only requires validity during your stay, we strongly recommend at least 6 months of validity to avoid airline issues. If renewing, allow 6+ weeks to be safe. 🚨 BOOK YOUR HOTEL EARLY We strongly recommend booking your hotel as early as possible. It’s the one thing most likely to sell out and cause the biggest headache if you wait. In most cases, reservations are fully refundable if plans change. CREDIT CARDS Confirm that at least one of your credit cards has no foreign transaction fees. When prompted to choose a currency while in Mexico, always select MXN (pesos), not USD, to avoid a worse exchange rate. CASH (PESOS) We suggest either ordering pesos from your U.S. bank or going to a U.S. currency exchange kiosk ahead of traveling. Check your local vendors for the best exchange rates and lowest transaction fees (i.e., CXI in San Diego). We recommend about $200 USD in pesos per person for tips (15% is standard) and cash-only vendors. PHONE & DATA Check whether your phone plan includes international coverage or add a short-term Mexico plan. Wi-Fi is widely available, but having data is extremely helpful. APPS TO DOWNLOAD 1. Uber (main transportation method) 2. Google Maps (more accurate than Apple Maps in Mexico) 3. WhatsApp (used by many drivers & tour guides) ARRIVAL TRANSPORTATION PLAN Decide ahead of time whether you plan to use Uber, a taxi, or a private transfer. Only private transfers require advance booking (details below). REGISTER WITH THE U.S. EMBASSY Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) so the U.S. Embassy can share safety updates and assist you in an emergency. Register once your travel is confirmed: https://step.state.gov/ __________________________________________

Travel Note

Choosing the Best Flight Option

To find the best prices and schedules, we recommend starting with Google Flights: https://www.google.com/travel/flights FLYING FROM SAN DIEGO For guests based in San Diego, Alaska Airlines offers a nonstop flight to Puerto Vallarta. Another more cost-effective option is flying out of Tijuana Airport (TIJ) using the Cross Border Xpress (CBX) pedestrian bridge. CBX allows you to walk directly from San Diego into the Tijuana airport terminal and is extremely safe, simple, and commonly used by locals. We recommend purchasing a round-trip CBX ticket in advance: https://www.crossborderxpress.com/en/ TIPS FOR NAVIGATING CBX 1. Arrival Timing: Arrive 2.5 hours before flight departure. 2. Getting There: Uber/Lyft is most common, but parking is also a great option. We recommend Premium Lot A (closest & safest), typically $108 for 4 days. 3. Entering CBX: Have your boarding pass, passport, and CBX ticket ready. Screenshot all items in case Wi-Fi is spotty. Staff are available to help with scanning. The walk is 5–7 minutes, fully indoors, flat, and air-conditioned. 4. Tijuana Airport: The airport is modern, clean, and very easy to navigate. __________________________________________

Travel Note

Arriving at Puerto Vallarta's Airport

🚨 THE “SHARK TANK” Once you clear immigration, baggage claim, and customs (all very straightforward), you’ll enter what locals call the “shark tank.” This is a high-pressure area with timeshare reps, fake information desks, and tour sales pitches. If you want to avoid solicitation: 1. Walk FAST 2. Do NOT make eye contact 3. Don’t smile, nod, or respond (even politely) 4. Go straight to the exit doors It sounds silly, but it's the most effective way to get through! AIRPORT TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS 1. Uber (Cheapest): Uber cannot pick up directly in front of the terminal. Walk left outside the terminal, continue ~100 yards, cross the pedestrian bridge on your left, and request your Uber near Tacon de Marlin. Not recommended if you have mobility issues or heavy luggage. 2. Taxi (Easiest): Designated airport taxis are safe and regulated. Look to the left of the large green “INFORMATION” sign after the shark tank for the taxi kiosks. Pre-pay a set rate, receive a receipt, and join the correct line at the curb. 3. Private Transfer (Nicest): We recommend Aeromovil PVR for larger groups or a more luxurious arrival. Book in advance here: https://aeromovilpvr.com __________________________________________

Travel Note

Hotel Recommendations

🚨 BOOK EARLY!!! #1 OPTION: VILLA PREMIERE BOUTIQUE HOTEL ($$$) - Adults-only, beachfront boutique hotel - Where we (+ majority of guests) will be staying! - Calm, elevated, personalized experience - Plan Types: Room Only or All-Inclusive (recommend Room Only due to nearby restaurants being better & cheaper) Website: http://www.premiereonline.com.mx/home #2 OPTION: BUENAVENTURA GRAND HOTEL ($$) - Family-friendly, beachfront all-inclusive resort - Located directly next door to Villa Premiere - Great all-inclusive value, just expect some kids - Plan Type: All-Inclusive Only Website: http://www.hotelbuenaventura.com.mx/home #3 OPTION: THE PARAMAR BOUTIQUE HOTEL ($) - Budget-friendly boutique hotel - A few blocks from Villa Premiere - Rooftop pool, spacious rooms, great location - Plan Type: Room Only Website: https://www.theparamar.com/ LOCATION PERKS (ALL HOTELS) 1. All group meals are located within a few blocks 2. Wedding shuttles pick up/drop off there 3. Very walkable area for food, drinks, and fun DISCLAIMER You’re also welcome to stay anywhere in Puerto Vallarta you’d like! If you choose to stay elsewhere, you’ll be responsible for transportation to and from events, but Uber is safe, easy, and widely available there. Please also note that hotels in Puerto Vallarta are generally strict about allowing only registered guests to use on-site amenities and common areas. If you stay elsewhere and would like to join us at Villa Premiere’s pool, beach, or common areas, you would likely need to purchase a day pass (approximately $110 per person). __________________________________________

Travel Note

Getting Around Puerto Vallarta

We understand some guests may feel unsure about traveling to Mexico. Puerto Vallarta is a well-established, highly populated, tourist-friendly destination, and we would not have chosen it if we had any safety concerns. We’ve recently traveled there ourselves and felt extremely comfortable and welcomed throughout our stay. Tips to be extra safe: 1. Use Uber for transportation 2. Avoid flashy or expensive jewelry 3. Travel with friends or family when possible 4. Bottled water only (tap water = diarrhea) 5. Store passports in your luggage with a lock 6. Get AirTags for your luggage 7. Keep belongings secured or in front pockets TOP FOOD RECOMMENDATIONS (WALKING DISTANCE) 1. Pepe’s Tacos – legendary Al Pastor (cash only) 2. El Barracuda – best piña colada & ceviche (cash only) 3. El Andariego – beautiful with excellent breakfast & dinner (card accepted) TOP ACTIVITY RECOMMENDATIONS 1. Vallarta Adventures – the best excursions! 2. Walk the Malecón (boardwalk) – starts down the street at Dolphy Helados with excellent food, drinks, and people-watching (catch the pirate ship fireworks around 8:30 PM) __________________________________________