Travel News You Can Use
By Judy Newell June 27, 2008 San Miguel de Allende

News from Mexico

Mexico-only cruise ship planned

A cruise ship called Ocean Dream is slated to begin scheduled trips in December 2008, only within west coast Mexican waters. It will sail from Acapulco to Los Cabos with stops at Zihuatanejo, Manzanillo and Puerto Vallarta. 

Operated by the Spanish firm Pullmantour, it will be marketed principally to citizens and foreign residents of Mexico. Mexican citizens, of course, will need neither passport nor visa. The crew will be Mexican and the primary language on board will be Spanish. Mexican cuisine will be served at hours when the locals enjoy dining. (Dinner at 10pm? No problema!)

Aeromexico launches charter company 

Aeromexico is responding to the crisis in the airline industry by launching Aeromexico Travel, which will operate charter flights. Chartered planes are rented by tour operators who provide transportation as part of a vacation package. Travel by charter aircraft usually costs considerably less than flying by scheduled airline. The disadvantage is that any passenger who misses a flight must then arrange his own transportation to wherever he is going. For the airline, it would appear to be win-win, since sales are the concern of the tour operator, who may or may not sell all the seats available. 

Meanwhile, Magnicharters, which operates scheduled service to about a dozen Mexican cities, suspended operations as a result of a government order. Maintenance problems are blamed. The carrier has 90 days to improve matters or will lose its license. 

Finally, while some airlines in the US are charging passengers to check baggage, low-fare carrier VivaAerobus is reducing ticket prices by about US$10 to passengers who have no baggage to check.

History reveals itself

Despite what you may think, Acapulco and the surrounding area are not just a haven for beach lovers, party animals and foodies. About 50 minutes from Acapulco, in the southern region of El Yopitzingo, is a recently discovered archeological zone named Tehuacalco. It’s drawing attention from those who want to go off the beaten path and learn about the pre-Hispanic culture in the region.

Once the home of the Yope civilization, Tehuacalco is believed to have been a ceremonial center. In fact, the name Tehuacalco means, among other things, “place of the priests’ houses” and “place of the sacred water house.” Researchers hope to study the zone and learn about the pre-Hispanic culture that once lived here to further understand the history of the state of Guerrero.

The archeological zone and former settlement includes the remains of a holy temple, residential space and a ball court. The site is expected to open for visitors in late 2008, an opening supported by the state of Guerrero and the secretary of tourism.

This new discovery is the most recent addition to the pre-existing cultural offerings to visitors traveling to Acapulco, including the Mask Museum, the San Diego Fort and Diego Rivera’s Wall. 

Stretching vacation dollars at Tesoro Resorts

Just because the economy’s taken a turn for the worse and gas prices are soaring, that doesn’t mean you have to downsize your vacation. Getting it all is easy this autumn at the three Tesoro Resorts in Ixtapa, Los Cabos and Manzanillo. All-inclusive rates start as low as US$70 per person (based on double occupancy) at all three properties. 

At Tesoro Resorts, you can choose between beach lounging, pool dipping and ocean diving. Sip margaritas at a swim-up bar, prepare fish tacos in a cooking class, watch the children go on a beach treasure hunt with the kids’ club or join the family for a Spanish class. 


Sources: Mexican Tourism News, Travel Age West, Travel Agent, Modern Agent

Judy Newell, a writer and travel industry executive, heads the custom tour company Perfect Journeys that specializes in luxury and adventure travel. Contact her with comments or suggestions at JudyNewell_03@msn.com or go to her website www.PerfectJourneys.net.