A Journey of Love and Adventure: Our Unforgettable Family Trip to Puerto Vallarta
This summer, our family embarked on a tropical adventure to Puerto Vallarta for the second time. After a fantastic first visit, we were eager to return and share our insights with other families facing similar challenges when traveling with small children.
Traveling with my husband and two little ones, aged six and ten, we found Puerto Vallarta, a picturesque tropical destination offering stunning views of beaches, mountains, and lush greenery. However, as with any tropical location, the weather was one of our main challenges. Hailing from Houston, Texas, where summers are known for their heat and humidity, I was initially concerned about how it might impact our trip, especially with the kids. Yet, this time, I embraced the weather and discovered some valuable tips to make the most of our vacation in this beautiful tropical oasis.
Choosing suitable accommodation was crucial to ensuring a pleasant stay. We opted for an all-inclusive resort called Dreams AMR Collection, which proved an excellent choice for families. With free childcare options like Club Adventures, my husband and I could enjoy quality alone time while the kids had a blast. The resort has several pools for adults and kids, with direct beach access and breathtaking views.
This year, we booked a swim-out junior suite worth it. The convenience of having a small swim-out pool right in front of our balcony on the first floor was a game-changer for our family. On days when we wanted a break from the beach or main pool, the kids could happily swim in the private pool while we relaxed in the comfort of our room while keeping a close eye on them through the floor-to-ceiling doors.
Puerto Vallarta Travel Tips: Embrace the Rainy Season, Pack Wisely, and Navigate Taxis
-Before planning your trip to Puerto Vallarta, consider the calendar and be aware that the rainy season lasts from June to October. I enjoy visiting during this time as it relieves the heat and offers the chance to dance in the rain. The lightning shows over the ocean are a sight to behold, and the downpours typically occur at night so they won’t interfere with your daytime plans. During my June 2022 and July 2023 visits, I found the weather flexible enough to enjoy tours and activities throughout the day and evening.
-When packing for Puerto Vallarta, be mindful of the weather. Opt for lightweight, light-colored fabrics that reflect sunlight. Shorts, short sleeves, and breathable shoes are ideal for tropical climates. Consider versatile clothing options, such as swim trunks that can double as shorts and dry quickly. Leave heavy denim at home, and don’t forget sunscreen and comfortable shade hats.
-In Puerto Vallarta, taxis are a common mode of transportation. Keep small bills handy in case drivers don’t have change. Always inquire about the fare before getting into the taxi, and feel free to negotiate if needed. On my second trip, I learned from an honest taxi driver that all cabs have a tax fare list with regulated prices from the government, eliminating the need for haggling.
By following these tips, you can make the most of your family trip to Puerto Vallarta and enjoy the tropical paradise to the fullest.
Tips for Finding Self-Care Time During Your Family Trip to Puerto Vallarta:
Prioritizing self-care is crucial for your overall well-being, and taking moments for yourself during family trips allows you to recharge and fully enjoy your vacation. These are some tips I put into action to balance quality family time and personal rejuvenation.
During my mornings of rejuvenation, I reciprocated the gesture by taking care of the kids while my husband enjoyed some alone time in the hotel. We would then switch roles, and I would take the kids out to explore the resort’s grounds, have lunch, and engage in various activities. This mutual understanding allowed us meaningful self-care moments while ensuring the entire family had a fantastic vacation experience.
-Wake Up Early: Continue to wake up early while on vacation to enjoy some peaceful moments before the rest of the family is awake. This will allow you to have uninterrupted self-care time.
-Morning Walks: Take advantage of the early morning hours to walk along the beach, explore the resort’s grounds, and soak in the picturesque views. The serene atmosphere will enhance your self-care experience.
-Enjoy Your Favorite Beverages: Treat yourself to your preferred beverages, such as green juice and herbal tea, while relishing the beautiful surroundings. Savoring these drinks will add to your relaxation.
-Capture Moments: I Brought my Canon EOS RP camera along and took pictures of the resort and beach views. Photography can be a form of mindfulness and creativity, adding to your sense of self-care.
-Journaling: Take time to journal your thoughts, experiences, and feelings during your trip. Writing can be therapeutic and a way to reflect on your self-care journey.
-Unwind on the Beach: Dedicate some moments on the beach to unwind and let your worries melt away. Listen to the sound of the waves and focus on being present at the moment. Pick rocks to take back home.
-Set Boundaries: Communicate with your family about your self-care time needs. Setting boundaries and expectations will allow you to balance quality time with your family and personal relaxation.
-Prioritize Relaxation: Allow yourself to relax and rest your mind throughout the day. Engage in activities with your family, but also take breaks to recharge and rejuvenate.
-Be Present: Practice being fully present and engaged during family activities. This will allow you to make the most of your quality time together and ensure balance.
Tips for Finding Alone Time with Your Spouse During Vacation:
My husband and I did these activities to create meaningful alone time during our vacation. Embracing these moments will strengthen your bond and allow you both to enjoy your time together as a couple fully.
-Utilize the Kids Club: Take advantage of the resort’s Kids Club, which offers ongoing activities from morning until 9 pm. Drop off the kids for about 2 hours daily, giving you and your spouse quality alone time.
-Meals Together: Enjoy meals while the kids dine with their new friends at the Kids Club. This allows you to savor moments of relaxation and conversation.
-Kids Club Flexibility: Some Kids Clubs offer the option to take your kids to breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Use this opportunity to have a peaceful meal alone with your spouse.
-Communication and Safety: Feel at ease leaving your kids in the Kids Club; they are given a cell phone for communication, allowing you to check on them whenever needed. This ensures a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.
-Beach Walks: Take leisurely walks along the beach together, basking in the beautiful beach and mountain views. Enjoying nature’s beauty can enhance your bonding time.
-Spa Treatments: We treated ourselves to a couples massage with water therapy at the resort spa. This relaxing experience left us both feeling rejuvenated and connected.
-Rest and Reconnect: Return to your room for quiet rest and quality time together. Use this time to reconnect and cherish each other’s company.
-Communicate with Your Kids: Talk to your kids about the importance of alone time for you and your spouse. Involving them in the conversation becomes a routine they understand and respect.
Takeaways from a Family Trip:
-Finding Balance: It’s normal for finding balance during a family trip to take time. Embrace the process and be patient with yourself and your family as you navigate different activities and schedules.
-Pack Patience: Remember to pack your patience. Family trips can sometimes be unpredictable, but staying calm and patient will help you easily handle any unexpected situations.
-Scheduled Family Time: Schedule dedicated family time during the trip. Whether it’s a beach day, a hike, or a shared meal, these moments create cherished memories.
-Flexibility is Key: Be open to making changes to your itinerary. Sometimes, unexpected opportunities arise, and flexibility allows you to make the most of your vacation.
-Enjoy Free Amenities: Take advantage of the free amenities and facilities at the resort, such as pools, beach access, and recreational activities. These can provide wonderful opportunities for family bonding.
-Kids’ Clubs and Activities: Kids’ clubs and organized activities at the resort are great for your children to have fun while giving you and your spouse some much-needed alone time.
Remember, each family trip is unique, and the key to a successful and enjoyable vacation is to be patient, flexible, and open to creating beautiful memories together.
One last thing….
During our family trip, we made the most of the resort’s amenities, including a professional photography service. We had a fantastic family photo shoot by this incredible young man, and the pictures turned out incredible. What amazed me was that the prices for purchasing the photos were comparable, if not less, than what I would pay back home. Not only did we capture precious memories as a family, but I also took advantage of the opportunity to schedule a photo session for my women’s wellness website and blog. It was a perfect way to make the most of our vacation and create lasting memories.
