Seniors Are Flocking to Ixtapa Zihuatanejo

Ixtapa is a beach resort on the Mexico Riviera or Costa Grande as it is called. It is located 4 miles to the northwest of the municipal seat, Zihuatanejo, and 153 miles northwest of Acapulco. Senior visitors will discover plenty of hotel space in Ixtapa with over 6000 rooms.

Ixtapa (eesh-tah-pa), once a coconut plantation, boasts high-rise hotels, all-inclusive resorts, air-conditioned restaurants and upscale shopping associated with Mexican beach resorts and luxury travel. The locals know the area as Ixtapa Zihuatanejo (zee-wha-ta-NEH-ho). In these neighboring beach towns s enior visitors to this unique location will find the comfort of luxury in Ixtapa, with the tranquility of a sleepy fishing village in Zihuatanejo.

Placing a modern resort complex next to a traditional fishing village on the rugged beaches of Mexico’s Guerrero state has turned out to be a winning combination. With the best of luxury services, access to true Mexican culture and endless outdoor opportunities, Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo together rival the larger cities of Acapulco and Puerto Vallarta for offering the most dynamic vacation possible on the Central Pacific coast of Mexico.

Ixtapa is located on a long, gentle crescent-shaped beach, called Playa Palmar, which is open to the sea and lined with huge resorts. Zihuatanejo sits protected with a pristine cove in the far end called Las Gatas. Zihuatanejo has the old-fashioned charm of traditional Mexican culture.

A fishing village since the 16th century, Zihuatanejo steadily grew into a medium-sized town that was used by sailboats and small ships as a port because of the natural protection provided by Zihuatanejo Bay. Fishing continues to be a way of life for a large number of families, and the increasing popularity of the area as a sport-fishing destination has given new impetus to their livelihood.

Seniors Find Friendly Resorts

Both locations which are set against the backdrop of the majestic Sierra Madre Mountains have excellent white sand beaches and stunning natural scenery. It’s no secret that this area of Mexico is ripe with historical significance. From conquistadors to ancient civilizations, a great many people have laid claim to the area.

The Museo de Arqueologia de la Costa Grande, or the Archeological Museum of the Large Coast, has an enviable collection of artifacts from Mexico’s indigenous residents, including the Olmec, Teotihuacan, Tarascan, and Aztec civilizations, among others. You’ll not want to miss this museum.

My old standby TripAdvisor suggest 29 things to keep you busy and enjoying your visit. These may be the friendliest of Mexico’s major resort areas. Read what Ron Kapon has to say about his experience in both places. They are prime spots for a super holiday. jeb

Seniors Discover Another Riviera

Yes, the French Riviera is famous and popular, but having spent some time on the Mayan Riviera, I could go back tomorrow. If senior travelers have not yet been to this area of Mexico, make it your next stop. The entire coast is abundantly overflowing with amazing scenery and things to see and do.

The French Riviera (Côte d’Azur) is awesome, but so is the Mayan Riviera , where senior citizens could easily spend a week. You’ll escape deep into the heart of the Mexican jungle, where you will find a five-star collection of hotel resorts, surrounded by some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.


Once home to small fishing villages, the Riviera Maya coastline has since been developed into a modern tourist corridor offering the very best of high-end luxury resorts, fine dining, nightlife, spa retreats, shopping and golf in Mexico.

An ideal vacation destination for senior visitors, the Riviera Maya is home to some of the most stunningly beautiful beaches in all of Mexico with expansive stretches of powdery white sand lapped by the clear turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea.

So Much For Seniors To See and Do

Half way down the coast south from Cancun is Tulum, a well preserved Mayan temple and ruins that have been well restored. Tulum, built in the top of a cliff facing the marvelous caribbean waters, is the only known archaeological site located by the sea. Over sixty well-preserved structures can be observed within three massive walls which surround the site.

Ten things which are senior visitors ‘must do’s’ are each a site in itself. Xcaret was once a Mayan port for departures to Cozumel, and is a destination attraction like no other. Senior visitors who come to learn about the area’s ecology and Mayan history, relax on the beach, float down one of two subterranean rivers, swim with dolphins, or wander jungle shrouded trails.

My wife and I plus two friends really enjoyed floating down that subterranean river.  It’s an eco-archaeological park and a place where you will want to spend an entire day, and into the night to enjoy the “Mexico Spectacular” show, which was highly entertaining. Both the Riviera Maya and Cozumel (a nearby island) are two of the world’s top destinations for scuba diving and snorkeling.

TripAdvisor is always a super means to discover not only great hotels and resorts, but photos and things to see and do. They got a little carried away this time and suggest 493 attractions. I know from personal experience that Riviera Maya is exceptionally full of sites.

The Mayan Ruins of Tulum are a spectacular site to behold. It’s a little distance over to Chitzen Itza but senior travelers will find it well worth your time. If you love Mexico and Mexicans like I do, you will find the Mayan Riviera safe, clean and inviting. jeb

Seniors Have Discovered Manzanillo

Manzanillo is said to be one of Mexico’s safest and most friendly cities senior travelers will find in Mexico. On the awesome Pacific coast, boasting 350 days of sunshine with average temperatures of 85, senior visitors will discover beautiful beaches, stunning accommodations and some of the friendliest people you’ll meet anywhere in the world.

The name Manzanillo refers to the city as well as its surrounding municipality in the Mexican state of Colima. The city, located on the Pacific Ocean, is Mexico’s busiest port, responsible for handling cargo for the Mexico City area. Known as the “Sailfish Capital of the World”, since 1957 Manzanillo has hosted important national and international fishing competitions, such as the Dorsey Tournament, making it a very attractive fishing destination.

The port is increasing in global popularity, which can only mean good things for the city’s economy and modernization prospects. The name Manzanillo was derived from the abundant groves of manzanilla trees that were used extensively in the early days of ship building.

Senior Tourist Destination

Manzanillo, with a population of just over 110,000,  has become one of the country’s most important tourist destinations. Its excellent hotels and restaurants continue to meet the demands of both national and international tourism. Located between Puerto Vallarta and Acapulco, it has become a haven for sun worshippers, sports enthusiasts and honeymooners.

At the North end of Manzanillo bay is the resort Las Hadas (“the fairies”), which is the most famous of the city’s resorts, having been featured in the movie 10 with Bo Derek and Dudley Moore. Do you remember that movie?  Manzanillo consists of two bays with crescent-shaped beaches, each about 4 miles in length. Tomzap is a new URL for me and you’ll discover it to be very useful for FAQs. Senior golfers, get this…there are three courses named in “The 100 Greatest in the World” by Golf Digest Magazine.

The best time for seniors citizens to visit Manzanillo is during the winter months from November to April. Manzanillo’s close proximity to the Sierra Madre Mountains helps to keep temperatures slightly cooler than many of the other well-known resort destinations located up and down the Pacific Coast. Wikitravel notes that Manzanillo “makes a great getaway with world famous beaches, festivals with lots of local flavor and fabulous outdoor activities. Splash it up, catch your dinner (sport fishing), peek into a volcano or explore the deep blue sea. Manzanillo has it all.”

Where Seniors Can Relax

I think that you’ll enjoy Isla Navidad said to be a true heaven on earth where reefs, cliffs and golden beaches combine with a golf course in front of the sea, a peaceful lagoon and a small seascape. This place is ideal to relax, far from the noise and the constant hustle of the big cities. So I’ll depart today and invite you to view several videos to give you a taste of Manzanillo .   Enjoy the weather and the many amenities of Manzanillo. jeb

Mazatlán Reaches Out To Seniors

Mazatlán is a perennial favorite with North American senior sunbirds and snowbirds alike. Endowed with a shoreline sprinkled with beckoning islands, a lovely seaside promenade, miles of golden beaches and blue lagoons, it lives up to its moniker, “Pearl of the Pacific.” Is it safe?  Rest assured.  Hear what these experienced visitors have to say about the city.

Mazatlán (the locals and visitors call it Maz) that means “place of the deer” in the Nahuatl Indian language. Yes, it’s famous for its fine beaches and a wonderful historical downtown section. Senior travelers will discover Mazatlán to be a socially and economically diverse city, with more than 350,000 welcoming people of all races. It is a popular vacation and retirement destination for Europeans, Canadians and Americans.

Beach Resort, Historic Site and Romantic City

TripAdvisor invites seniors to enjoy Mazatlán… a historic capital, a beach resort, a lively and romantic town. Whatever you look for in a Mexican vacation is on the menu in Mazatlán . Returning travelers rave about the welcoming Mazatlecos, who treat you like old amigos, as well as the beaches, the food, the weather, the music and the feeling of never wanting to leave.

And attractions… how about Trip Advisor’s 104 suggestions for starters.  I dearly love Mexico and the many wonderful places to visit. Fodor’s can help you get around efficiently in town with sights, restaurants, entertainment, activities and travel tips. They are always a good resource for travelers.

Senior visitors will not want to miss walking along the Malecon. Do you know what a Malecon is? It’s a jetty or breakwater. Malecón is a word used in Spanish-speaking countries for a stone-built embankment or esplanade along a waterfront. So now you know. It stretches from the original Mazatlán past the Golden Zone to the end of Cerritos Beach. Mazatlán’s waterfront street (the Malecon) is the backbone of the city.

Seniors Discover Premier Destination

The location on the Mexican Gold Coast boasts long stretches of palm–lined beaches, ideal for experiencing spectacular sunsets. You may choose to be pampered in Mazatlán’s luxury hotels and resorts. Senior visitors may want to visit the active seaport and historical attractions or enjoy hiking, bird–watching or aquatic sports. Mazatlán offers a great vacation for senior travelers.

I found a super walking tour for you to consider with many worthwhile things to see and do in town. I’ll depart today with these folks called the “ Best Mazatlán Information Resource .” You judge, but it looked pretty classy to me. The Plaza Machado is a spot not to be missed.

I think you will really enjoy exploring Mazatlán so much that you may want to return again and again.  It’s on my bucket list. jeb

Senior Travelers Can’t Do Without Them…

There has to be a multitude of gadgets and travel gear that seniors who travel a lot say  they just could not get along without. I know from my own travel experiences that I could make up a pretty long list myself. I would start off with putting in a plug for both Magellan’s and Travelsmith .  They have dozens of supplies that I have found to be extremely useful.

Magellan’s microfiber pants are the finest pair of travel pants I have ever owned. They have to be nearly twenty years old and still look new. The stretch waistband and a zipper pocket to protect a wallet are excellent. My Travelsmith shirt (60% cotton and %40 polyester) is also the finest travel shirt I’ve ever owned. Lightweight and easily washed and a neutral color. I still prefer to wear both when traveling.

Travel & Leisure Magazine Lists the Best Travel Gear

If you are searching for some super designs that have won awards, then read on, senior travelers. The Best Watch choice was the Timex Weekender Slip Through with a changeable strap, for $45.  Good start I’d say.  The Best Luggage, and it should be for only $2,690, is a Porche Design leather trolley and the best travel bag is a Dror for Tumi convertible nylon backpack . It came in at just $595 and is a real beauty.

The Best Camera was relatively inexpensive considering that you can pay thousands for a camera today. They selected a Pentax-Q10 for $600. For the Best Travel Accessory, a pair of sunglasses won out.  They are called Gotti Switzerland fold-flat model for $310.

For senior men, Luigi Blanchi Mantova lightweight field jacket was tops at $890. It looks nice, kind of wrinkled, but of highest quality. Here are some additional specs on the jacket. FYI it’s made with Loro Piana Storm System fabric, the jacket is waterproof, windproof, and wicks away heat and moisture to keep you dry and comfortable. Senior women, the Best Women’s Travel Clothing Terra New York Polyurethane Trench won the prize for $320.

Gadling (that’s a new one for me) has their list of Best Gear and the website shows a whole pile of gear ready to go. Amazon too has their own best gear choices. Then there is Walkabout and REI who carry great travel accessories. Look over Fodor’s Best New Travel Gear . For the Best Adventure Gear how about a BioLite CampStove . About.com has helpful information and great apparel.

The Bobble is all about portable filtration, and the people behind it have a mission: to change people’s drinking habits by slowing the mass consumption of single-serve water bottles. You always need to be aware of drinking only good potable water.

Enjoy thumbing through Travel & Leisure’s gadgets and travel gear and you might find something for your next adventure. jeb

New Nizuc Resort & Spa Attracting Senior Visitors

The award-winning luxury hotel chain, Las Brisas Hotel Collection , has just announced the opening of their new, elite brand- NIZUC Resort & Spa - at the gateway of the sun-soaked coast of the Riviera Maya on the Yucatan Peninsula . My latest Travel & Leisure magazine had an ad for the  new Nizuc Resort and Spa and it looked like senior citizen material. I don’t usually plug a particular resort, but I had to check this full-page ad and discovered that it’s grandiose. The doors open in March (2013).

The 29 acre property that faces the white sands of the Caribbean Sea is settled within a paradise of protected mangroves and lush local foliage. The new Nizuc is described as having a “Mexican Spirit” with a “Mayan Soul.” Its prime location makes it a convenient starting point for senior vacationers to access all of the Yucatan’s natural wonders, archaeological sites and attractions. There are many Mayan ruins nearby and you can take guided tours from Nizuc to Chitzen Itza, Coba and Tulum.

The area is the newest luxury destination in the Mexican Caribbean situated on some the most desirable land of the Mayan region. Snorkel Bob is not here, but you’ll find plenty of space for snorkeling , just ask these folks. The hotel offers 274 comfortable and well-equipped, air-conditioned individually decorated guest-rooms and abounds with amenities .

Full Spa Service Attracts Senior Citizens

As per usual with such a high class resort they feature six world-class restaurants with gourmet cuisine. Perhaps you would enjoy your own personally designed menu in a private room. The Executive Chef Vincent Wallez invites senior citizens to come and see for yourselves.

For the ladies, three spa signature treatments at the full service spa; and for all seniors, their f itness and wellness center will help keep your mind and body strong and healthy. At Nizuc Resort and Spa you can cool off in one of the 5 outdoor swimming pools.

Tours and activities can be easily arranged by the concierge. Golf is just 2 miles away. Travelocity has a map with street, aerial and hybrid views. TripAdvisor notes that you had better get on it soon as it will sell out quickly. Expedia has additional information.

Why not make it a Deluxe Ocean View Room? Here’s the address and phone number: Punta Nizuc Blvd. Kukulcan Km.21 – 260 Cancun, QROO 77500 Mexico 1-866-599-6674. That about covers it for Nizuc. Neat name huh? Did you notice the nice little insignia for Nizuc? Maybe I’ll just bump into friends at Nizuc. jeb

Senior Tourist Attractions in Mexico

Mexico is one of the world’s most popular vacation destinations with over 20 million foreign visitors a year. Famous for its tequila, the Aztecs and the Mayas, Salma Hayek, Day of the Dead, drug wars, Lucha libre, Corona beer and the beach resorts on the Pacific and Caribbean side, Mexico can offer something for every senior traveler.

The warm sunshine of Cancun, Isla Mujeres and Cozumel continually invites seniors to come and enjoy and are among the many attractions that Mexico has to offer. The Yucatan Peninsula is home to a large grouping of Mayan archeological sites ; major ones include Chichen Itza, Coba, Edzna, Kabah, Tulum and Uxmal. Many areas of the peninsula are blanketed by a thick jungle, and in the southeast, tropical rain forests merge into the borders with Belize and Guatemala.

If You Have Been to Mexico, Seniors…

The number one rated attraction is Teotihuacán . It is memorable for me because I have climbed to the top of the pyramid twice.  What a view from up there and the region is filled with history of the Aztecs . Archeologists are still discovering hidden gems around the area.

In the 2nd century BC a new civilization arose in the valley of Mexico . This civilization built the flourishing metropolis of Teotihuacán and it’s pyramids. The Pyramid of the Sun was built around 100 AD and is the largest pyramid in all of Mexico. The construction of the smaller Pyramid of the Moon started a century later and was finished in 450 AD. Seven centuries after the demise of the Teotihuacán empire the pyramids were honored and utilized by the Aztecs and became a place of pilgrimage.

Chitzen Itza

Chichen Itza is the largest of the Mayan cities in the Yucatan Peninsula and one of Mexico’s most visited senior tourist destinations. The most famous landmark of Chichen Itza is the temple-pyramid of El Castillo. Each face of the pyramid has a stairway with 91 steps, which together with the shared step at the top, add up to 365. Other highlights of Chichen Itza include t he Great Ballcourt and El Caracol , a circular temple which served as an astronomical observatory.

Tulum

Tulum , situated on the east coast of the Yucatán Peninsula, once served as the major port of the Mayan city of Coba. Tulum was built around 1200 AD when the Mayan civilization was already in decline. My wife and I loved walking around the grounds.

Touropia lists their top 10 tourist destinations in Mexico and each draws thousands if not millions of tourists to the land of the Maya and Aztecs. Senior travelers will not run out of amazing sites to visit and things to see and do in Mexico. And all that great Mexican food…

I love Mexico and Mexicans . Always have and always will. jeb

Seniors Who Stay Serious About Learning and Travel

I’ve always had a serious and curious nature, especially about exploring the globe. That’s why I liked the title of this program I discovered that caters to senior citizens who love to continue learning and travel. Senior citizens are invited to “ Stay Curious ” and to investigate one of the many programs that go all over the world and explore a wide variety of topics.

Caters to Senior Travel

“Stay Curious” caters to adult travel, senior travel. Senior citizen travel has become more exciting today than ever before. These senior travel programs offer some of the most unique and interesting programs where traveling and learning abroad give singles and couples a new perspective of the world and culture. How? For instance, by learning a language in the country where you are traveling.

I was especially drawn to that program, being a former teacher of French for 38 years. “Stay Curious” tours allow seniors to enjoy the country you are visiting as a native. If you’’re a senior citizen, couple, or a single traveling abroad, here’ are some examples of things you can do. Looks to me like, “you name what you want to see and do” and Stay Curious can help you find it.

Learner and Traveler

Study Spanish in the Galapagos , French while learning about wine in Bordeaux or Italian while learning about art history in Italy . Their Language Liaison looked very interesting and well done. “Stay Curious” is found in over 35 countries offering 22 languages and dozens of activities.  Perhaps you would enjoy a stay with a host family as I did in Cuernavaca.  Perhaps you would prefer a hotel, an apartment or  a residence for a week stay or for a month. I liked that too.

Navigate through the links on this page via a Site Map to find out more about cultural education, language learning concept, adult traveling, and language schools. Also, senior learners will find more information about history, cuisines, customs, business news and other activities in different countries.

If you have grandchildren, Global Teen just might be a program that you would suggest to them as the world is just waiting to be explored.

I think that you will find this site so full of excitement and possibilities that you will want to spend time “surfing,” especially in the Activities portion. I know that I did. The countries portion was pretty cool too.  So go exploring this Sunday and by all means, “Stay Curious”. jeb

Why is Puerto Vallarta So Popular?

Puerto Vallarta is one neat city in Mexico . I recall well the many cobble stone streets and the fact that it is right on the water with a beach that runs all along the city. Puerto Vallarta has been a favorite destination for senior tourists for a number of years. The locals and many tourists just call it Vallarta; some folks up north refer to it as P.V.  Regardless, it is a highly popular vacation resort on the Pacific Coast of Mexico with about a quarter of a million inhabitants.

A Balneario Resort

This Mexican balneario resort city is situated on the Pacific Ocean’s Bahía de Banderas . Around the Bay , beautiful beaches, lush jungles and sparkling waterfalls offer many opportunities for the adventurous traveler, while five star resorts, world-class shopping and gourmet restaurants satisfy the most sophisticated senior traveler. Stretching from the south end of Old Town to central downtown, a newly extended and refurbished boardwalk along the ocean called the Malecon passes by any number of shops, restaurants, and hotels, and often plays host to mimes, break-dancers, clowns and artists. Senior citizens will love walking along the shore especially in the evening enjoying the wonderful climate.

Clean and Friendly Destination for Senior Travelers

There are many cultural events and exhibits, exciting day trips to the jungle, relaxing days at the beach and countless romantic hideaways. Seniors visitors seeking adventure will find it from zip lines to swimming with dolphins, whale watching to snorkeling, scuba diving to award winning dinner shows. If you’ve come to eat and drink, you are in the right spot there as well.  And nightlife will keep you going until the wee hours of the AM.

Puerto Vallarta Defies Description

I remember Our Lady of Guadalupe Church with its bells ringing and the unusual crown on its tower. Fodor’s features that church in its website. Then it was the magnificent sea horse sculpture along the beach and then all the cobble stone streets .  It is colonial with modern amenities and majestic mountains jutting into the aquamarine waters of the Pacific.

TripAdvisor lists its favorite restaurants and attractions and fills your bag with 93 things to take in. I’d not seen an ocean until I was 21, so I find the Pacific is awesome and it brings seniors from all over the world to take in the beautiful aqua waters. Puerto Vallarta is, without a doubt, one of the friendliest and cleanest beach destinations in all of Mexico.  The “ Official Guidebook ” has great information that will enhance your visit.

I’ve been to Mexico many times and Puerto Vallarta rates right up there at the top with me even though I was there for only a couple of days. I think that you will love it too. jeb