Things to Do in Nuevo Vallarta When You're Dad

If you've read my first article on Puerto Vallarta, you'll understand what I'm trying to get across with the concept of "Things to Do When You're Dad." If you haven't, let me sum it up for you. Some of us love to travel, and some of those love to travel with their children. So, we need to find things to do that not only allow our kids to experience another culture and, dare I say it, learn something, but to keep them from boredom and all of the behaviors that accompany boredom. Just as importantly, unless you are accustomed to taking your trips in a private jet or booking your passages on the QEII, you might just want to save some money as well. Now you, relatively well-off traveler, you are staying out in Nuevo, land of the nice resorts still, you might just want to while away a weekend without a drive into the city proper, and pinch a few pesos to set aside for the dinner cruise in the process. So, without further introduction, things to do in Nuevo when you're Dad

Rent a Car Sounds simple, right? Wrong. You will have already heard that driving in Mexico is enough to give even the most seasoned traveler pause. Here's how to do it, and make it fun for all ages. Rent a Volkswagen. Yes, a Beetle. They still make them in Mexico, they are convertible, and they can be had for almost nothing, provided you can master a manual transmission. Load up the family, and scout out your environment. Everyone will feel happy with the wind in their hair, and the quiet, palm tree lined streets of Nuevo are about as safe as anyplace could be. When you've gotten the hang of the clutch, right about the time the kids are wondering just where it is you are going, fire up that four-banger and read on.

Bucerias to Sayulita - Make the drive north from Nuevo through the small town on Bucerias and on up to Sayulita. Both are small beachfront towns, and both offer a taste of the Mexico that doesn't belong to tourists. From small shops and markets, to town squares and street vendors, every mile along the way will make you want to get out and take a look around. While you're driving, Dad, keep a look out the driver's side window. About halfway you'll see a broad, flat beach. Stop the car, get out, and let the kids run. The water is warm, the beach will be swarming with kids more than happy to play with your kids, and the water is no more than waist deep, and clear, for at least a half-a-mile out. Dry off

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