Budget Hotels for a Winter Surfing Getaway

Heading to the beach in winter sounds like it might be a great idea, but even if you live near a beach like we do, it’s probably way too cold to actually enjoy it. Wearing three layers to build sandcastles is never fun, so why not head to a place where it’s warm in the winter and won’t bust your budget? Colima, Mexico is one such place that has lovely weather all year, a tropical feel with banana and coconut trees all over – giving it the name “City of Palms” – and is ideal for surfing, too.

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Colima is right on the water and sits between two volcanoes, giving it amazing views wherever you look. Watersports a great way to enjoy Colima, but it can also be super relaxing or make for a lovely history-filled vacation if you prefer. It also has crazy affordable hotels that feel luxurious and exotic, with all the amenities you expect to find at high end resorts. You’ll find yourself wanting to return to Colima before you even leave. What a way to enjoy a budget escape.

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Refresh

If the ocean is not for you, Colima has tons of natural springs and pools. Why use the hotel pool when you can, literally, soak in the landscape? Skip the hot tub and sink into one of the state’s thermal springs. The ones in Agua Caliente and El Hervidero are surrounded by jungle, making them even more unique. Explore the flora and fauna that you’ll not find anywhere else.

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Invigorate

La Cumbre is Colima’s city where paragliders go. The thermal winds are the perfect environment for the sport and you’ll have sweeping views of valleys, hills and canyons. What more can you ask for? How about awesome kayaking, camping, horseback riding, fishing, hiking, as well as surfing? Families can enjoy all of these things and more. Kids will love running through the parks and seeing animals at the zoo that they may never have seen before.

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Immerse

Colima is steeped in history. The archaeological sites of La Campana and El Chanal are home to temples, buildings and sport courts from the Mayan culture that once inhabited the lands. Those who have a love of beautiful architecture won’t be disappointed. The main plaza of Colima, Jardín Libertad, is bordered by a row of arches, the city hall building and the cathedral. Entertainers and musicians can often be found here, so it’s a nice place to spend a frugal afternoon. Art and history lovers will want to visit the Museo Regional de Historia de Colima, the Museo Universitario de Artes Populares or the Pinacoteca Universitaria Alfonso Michel.

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Indulge

Colima has a vibrant night life, so if you want to toss back a few cocktails or dance the night away, make sure to pack your dancing shoes. Tantalize your taste buds with some of the city’s finest cuisine. Lunch is the main meal of the day and you’ll be happy it is, because it’ll give you time to walk off the calories from all the dishes you’ll want to try. Make sure to sample the Tatemado (pork in mole sauce), tales de ceniza, sopitos (a corn tortilla topped with red chili and bean sauce) and try a glass of tuba (coconut beverage) or Tejuino (a corn-based, beverage with cinnamon and lime).

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Where to Stay

Believe it or not, even though the city of Colima is small, it has a choice of budget-friendly hotels. Even the luxury Wyndham Garden Colima is less than $100 per night and has views of the Colima Volcano, a variety of pools, a sauna, hot tub, a bar and restaurant. You may never want to leave.

The Fiesta Inn Colima is perfect for those who want easy access to both the airport and other activities. The hotel is business-minded, but has extras that everyone can appreciate: a restaurant that is open long hours, 24-hour room service and free Internet. It is also close to the cultural center and art museum.

Business travelers and couples alike will enjoy a stay at Hotel Mision Colima. The hotel is in the middle of the financial district, but is also beautiful and makes for a fantastic romantic getaway. With room service, free Wi-Fi, a restaurant and lovely courtyards, you never need to leave. At just $50 per night on average, you can stay even longer.

Want more options? Surf-Mexico specializes in hotels only in Mexico. Search for lodgings everywhere in the country where surfing is fantastic and get suggestions for different kinds of accommodations from people who love vacationing (and surfing) there. Let the experts help you find a place to call home while you’re in Mexico. Because the less you spend on your hotel, the more money you have to splurge on delicious food and souvenirs to bring home.

You can also connect with Surf-Mexico on Twitter.

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Surf-Mexico.

How to Be a Good Plane Passenger

Okay, so the holidays are here and that means you're going to be faced with bigger travel crowds than usual and crabbier passengers and all that other good stuff nobody likes about flying and going to the airport. Everyone needs to do their part to make the experience less stressful and annoying for everyone else. Be the best passenger you can be and maybe inspire others, too.

• Put your bag in the overhead as quickly as possible, but move into your row to let passengers further back go by so you aren't holding up boarding.
• Go one way during boarding. If you plan to switch seats, wait until everyone is onboard and seated before you head back upstream.
• Turn down your electronics. Headphones are better. Not everyone wants to hear your movie.
• Don't take up overhead bin space with things that fit under your seat, like purses, jackets, hats, etc. One of you, one bag in the overhead. Them's the rules.
• Don't use the headrest in front of you for leverage to get out of your seat. We know it's tight, but causing the person in front of you whiplash won't make matters better. Use your armrest instead.

• Don't stand in the aisles. There are people trying to get to the bathroom and flight attendants trying to do their jobs. Also, if there is any unexpected turbulence, you could seriously hurt yourself or others.
• Be aware of your child's behavior. Bring games and activities to keep them occupied. We all know it's impossible to keep them from screaming or kicking sometimes, but if show others you are at least trying, they won't hold it against you. If you have toddlers that are seat-back kickers, remove their shoes, as this might keep them from doing so. The seat back is not soft and can hurt their toes enough for them to think twice before doing it again.

• Ask for everything you need at once. Ex: coffee with cream and sugar.
• Be kind, don't recline whenever possible. At the very least, look before you just shove your seat back. People working on laptops and tall people already have limited space to work with. Some people sleep on their tray table. Crushing their head will not win you friends.
• Let your seat mates know you need the restroom so they can move. There is not enough room for you to climb over them, and everyone hates it. Maybe your whole row will just go at once.

• Have everything you need in the seat pocket or bag under your seat. Nobody likes seeing you midrif, butt, underarms right in their face while you are rummaging in the overhead during flight.
• Wait until the service carts are done before heading to the lav. There's barely enough room for them down the aisle. You will just end up in some stranger's lap while trying to get by. 
• Everyone is having the same experience. Complaining about things that can't be fixed in midair is not helpful. It just makes other people angry, so sit back and take a deep breath and don't sweat the small stuff.
• Smile! It'll make everyone around you a little more Cheery. "Please" and "thank you" never hurt either.

I know that airplane travel can sometimes be painful, but the other 200 people on the plane probably aren't having a better time than you, because the holidays are stressful. The flight attendants are doing everything they can to make your trip as smooth and pleasant as possible, so try not to take it out on them. They're probably doing their best. Things may go wrong. They usually do. It's not the end of the world. Just remember what the holidays are all about and enjoy your flight.

How do you make holiday plane travel more bearable?

Portland's 5 Must-See Summer Festivals

As you know, I live in Portland, and I’m pretty proud to call it home. It’s green and beautiful and feels kind of like a small town, but also like a big city. Named the number one summer destination for family travel by Travel + Leisure Magazine, Portland is a busy place when the weather warms up. Locals break out the shorts and sunscreen and can be seen riding bikes, sailing, running and populating parks all over the city. Everyone wants to get outside and soak up the sun. 

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Summer festivals give people a good excuse to enjoy the clear weather and hang out with friends. Here are five of the city’s must-see festivals:

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RoseFestival and Grand Floral Parade

Portland’s TomMcCall Waterfront Park is abuzz all summer long. The festivities kick off in mid-May and go through mid-June with activities like the selection of the Rose Festival court, a half-marathon, the popular Grand Floral Parade and festival village at the waterfront. Highlights of the Rose Festival are Portland’s largest parade, a fair full of amusement rides and shopping from area merchants and artisans that bring tons of locals downtown for the celebrations.

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Festival of Balloons

After the Rose Festival, folks head to Tigard, a Portland suburb, to watch hot air balloons take to the sky and then enjoy a carnival, food and craft kiosks, a car show and many more family-friendly events. Start the day off with a hearty pancake breakfast and end it with Night Glow – hot air balloons touch down with their burners lit amid the live entertainment and other festivities. The Festival of Balloons has something for everyone, including a beer garden sponsored by Rogue Ales.

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Waterfront Blues Fest

If you love blues music, head down to the waterfront in July for a long weekend of some of the most well-known and local blues musicians. Recognized as America’s most popular blues festival, thousands of people come from all over to listen to artists such as Mitch Kashmar, Eric Burdon and Mavis Staples. Since 1987, the festival has been entertaining music-lovers and raising money and non-perishable donations for the Oregon Food Bank.

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Oregon Brewers Festival

It’s no secret that Oregon is home to some fantastic breweries and microbreweries. Almost 100 craft beers from around the world are on tap for visitors to taste when this late July festival comes to the Portland Waterfront. The Oregon Brewers Festival is one of the longest-running beer festivals in the U.S. Admission is free, however you must purchase a festival mug and tokens for tastings. People are encouraged to bring a designated driver to prevent drinking and driving. Food is available for purchase from local vendors or you can grab a frosty mug in the Root Beer Garden, which is free for designated drivers and minors.

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The Bite of Oregon

Portland is full of delicious and multicultural cuisine. It is home to award-winning chefs and a great mix of fantastic dining establishments from gourmet dining to food trucks. Each year in August, Portland – the home of fine dining pioneer James Beard – likes to celebrate the best of the best at The Bite of Oregon. The theme is different each year, and you’ll find dishes and desserts from the state’s top restaurants and food carts, as well as Oregon wines and beers. While noshing on some yummy foods, enjoy music from local artists or take your children to the Kids Area Stage where they can get their face painted and be entertained by singers, balloon artists and more.

No matter what month you visit Portland, you will find interesting events going on, but summer is definitely packed to the gills. With at least one event available every weekend, it’s easy to keep your vacation days filled with fun. Find more things to do outside of your festival plans at Gogobot.