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Hello Wonderous Travelers!
My name is Frey Soares, Willamette International Travel’s newest addition to the crew in Portland, OR! Celebrating my partner’s birthday in the beautiful (and warm) city of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, feels like a stroke of luck, especially considering how Portland just went through one of the worst ice storms we have ever seen.
Every year, we eagerly anticipate escaping the winter chill for a tropical getaway and the travel gods were on our side when we left during the perfect window of time before the storm truly took effect. Thankfully, being based in Portland has its perks, including easy access to Puerto Vallarta via a non-stop flight on Alaska Airlines.
As the trip approaches, I always find myself caught between excitement and a bit of stress. Traveling can be stressful whether there is an ice storm brewing on the horizon or not.
In today’s post, I will tell you how we prepared for our trip, how to pack for Mexico in January, where we stayed and what we did during our time!
Preparing for the Journey

Traveling internationally can be very intimidating even if you are well-seasoned traveler or venturing out for the first time which is why my partner and I take extra care with preparations for our trip. Having travel anxiety is super normal, but preparing some things in advance will alleviate some of that anxiety. Here are a few important things I like to check off my to-do list before leaving home:
— Getting enough cash and pesos from the bank – Using USD to purchase things and tip people in Mexico is totally okay, but some shops and bars will charge you for breaking your dollars into pesos. So, I HIGHLY recommend bringing enough of both currencies. We brought about $1500 in spending money (2/3 USD and 1/3 in pesos) for the week which is about $214 per day for the two of us. Click here for the current conversion rate for USD to pesos.
— Gather all important travel documents – Now is the time to go look for your passport and put it in a safe place where you can easily find it for your trip. I also take the time to take photos of my passport, ID, and medical insurance cards on my phone to have copies just in case.
—Make a list of important things you don’t want to forget – Jot down anything that comes to mind during the month leading up to your departure date, so you don’t forget anything. I like to keep a running list of my Notes app on my iPhone so I can check things off as I pack. Here are some of my personal travel essentials:
- Portable Chargers
- Sunglasses (a definite MUST)
- Wide-brim hat (can’t live without this one)
- A tote to carry your stuff from your room to the pool/beach
- 20oz thermal cups to keep your drinks ice cold while in the sun
- A portable steamer (because it’s easier than ironing)
- Sunscreen (since it’s so expensive to purchase at your resort)
— Plan your outfits – Not going to lie, I am a last-minute packer (mostly because I wait until the very last couple days to do laundry), BUT that’s because I want maximize options for outfit combinations for the weather I’ll be experiencing (also I hate doing laundry). With that being said, planning your outfits allows you to be strategic and not over-pack. Over-packing can get expensive especially if you go over the maximum weight for your bags. My partner and I each bring our own carry-ons and split a checked bag for any extra stuff.


What to Expect at the Airport

Our flight was a smooth four-hour ride into Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico thanks to Alaska Airlines. Before descending, the flight attendants came around with a “Tourist Card” form (one form per family). However, not all airlines hand these out, but you’ll receive one upon entry at the Mexican airport.


TRAVEL TIP #1: Be sure to bring a pen so you can fill out the form on the plane to make going through customs as smooth as possible!
The first step in customs is presenting your passport and your Tourist Card form to an immigration officer. It usually goes by quick enough, but that’s why I recommend filling out the form ahead of time so you can get in the line as quickly as possible before everyone on your flight starts piling up. Those lines can get SERIOUSLY long, and you deserve a nice cold cerveza (beer) asap.
After that, we headed towards baggage claim after going through the first step of customs, grabbed our bags and went through security one more time. Just like that, you are ready to take on Mexico!
A Slice of Paradise — Riu Vallarta (All-Inclusive)

It takes about a 30-minute Uber ride to the Riu Vallarta from the airport and when you get there you are greeted with an unmistakable Art Deco style, promising an experience that is as visually stunning as it is comfortable, all nestled against the backdrop of the azure Pacific Ocean.
This all-inclusive resort is a slice of paradise located right on the beautiful Playa de Flamingos beach, where golden sands meet the clear blue waters, creating a perfect setting for both relaxation and adventure.
Our room was very clean and spacious with two queen beds pushed together to make one giant bed. The balcony came equipped with a spot to hang any wet clothes to dry and glorious view of the sparkling ocean in the distance was the star amenity of the room. Some of my favorite moments of this trip were having laughs and drinks on the balcony with my partner while listening to the nightly show downstairs with her.
There are 5 restaurants on-site giving you free range for whatever you might be craving at that moment. Whether it’s a taste of Italy at the gourmet restaurant, an Asian fusion experience, a steakhouse grill, or the international buffet, the resort caters to all palates.
This time around, we really enjoyed mixing and matching all sorts of food in the buffet since my partner and I have tried all their restaurants before. Not to mention, eating at the buffet allows you control over how much time you want to spend at dinner. The restaurants are there if you want a higher quality, 3-course meal and want to spend over an hour on dinner.
In addition to all the restaurants, the Riu Vallarta also has 5 bars/lounges, one being a swim-up bar (you heard that right). The sports bar inside the resort is open 24/7 for all our party animals and a perfect spot for a nightcap after the show is over for the night.
TRAVEL TIP #2: I highly recommend downloading the RIU app so it’s easier to keep track of all restaurant hours, show times, and to explore nearby activities!

During our time at Riu Vallarta, the staff really went the extra mile to take care of us. They were always there to make sure we had everything we needed as guests. The RIU Entertainment team was awesome too. They made an effort to connect with everyone and invited us to join in on activities like water polo, yoga, and even salsa classes. We hit it off with Abi from the team and ended up adding him on Instagram after our stay. This kind of thing isn’t new at RIU – we’ve had great experiences with their staff before. Seriously, the RIU team is amazing, and they made our trip so memorable.
As two women traveling together, there was never a moment where I felt unsafe here even a tiny bit. The resorts in these areas are very strict on who can come onto the premises, and they have security all over the resort. The neighboring resorts are pretty spread apart, and the main road is pretty quiet.
However, if you walk an hour west (or Uber 15 minutes), you’ll end up in the closest town called Bucerías where you can hang out and shop with the locals. It’s a cool beach spot with tons of little shops, restaurants, bars, and a little night market with fair games and street foods.
Like I said before, I felt pretty safe roaming around with my partner at night. I honestly feel safer in Bucerías and Puerto Vallarta than I do back home in Portland. With that being said, always be smart and aware of your surroundings regardless of how “safe” you might feel.
A Gay Old Time in Zona Romántica, Puerto Vallarta

After 4 days, we left the resort life to finish the rest of our trip by spending the weekend in an Airbnb in the Zona Romántica, also known as the Romantic Zone, in downtown Puerto Vallarta. This charming neighborhood is characterized by its cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and a lively atmosphere that captures the essence of Puerto Vallarta.


Here, you will find a diverse array of attractions, from art galleries and boutique shops to lively bars and restaurants serving authentic Mexican cuisine. The area is also home to Playa Los Muertos, one of the most popular beaches in Puerto Vallarta, where you can relax on the sand or enjoy water sports.
This area is incredibly LGBTQ+ friendly, so as two lesbian women, we felt right at home. If you are familiar with Portland’s gay club scene, you will be surprised to find one of our oldest nightclubs, CC Slaughters, also in Puerto Vallarta!
If you are seeking vibrant nightlife, amazing food, and drinks that will blow you away, then you’re in the right place! Two streets renowned for their wide variety of dining options in the Romantic Zone are Basilio Badillo and Olas Altas. Here are a few of my favorite spots in this area, along with reasons why I enjoy them:
— Pancho’s Takos: LITERALLY the best al pastor tacos I have ever had in my life. The line took about an hour, which is why I recommend getting there before they open so you have a chance. The al pastor tacos cost $18 pesos which is $1.05 per taco. Very affordable and seriously so delicious!
— Los Molcajetes: A close second for food in this area! Their al pastor tacos are really great, too. The salsa they bring to your table is fresh and varies in spice level. This spot is a bit more expensive than Pancho’s Takos, but the vibe feels a little more upscale without sacrificing too much of the price. An al pastor taco is $23 pesos here (about $1.35 USD) and you will not be disappointed.
— Apaches Bar: This is one of the smallest bars I’ve ever been to (probably able to seat MAYBE 10 people). The owners were working when we went there and instantly made us feel like family. They bought us shots to celebrate my partner’s birthday! Not only were they ridiculously sweet hosts, but the drinks were also great and cheap.
— La Chachalaca: I would say this is my favorite bar in Puerto Vallarta, and it is located on the same street as the Los Muertos Pier. This lively gay bar hosts drag shows every day we were there. The queens really know how to get the crowd going – one memorable moment was when everyone at the bar was singing Shania Twain’s “Man! I Feel Like a Woman” at the top of their lungs. The drinks are both strong and affordable, making it even better!
Final Thoughts
As our time in Puerto Vallarta came to a close, I found myself reflecting on our trip. Our journey to Mexico was meant for birthday celebrations and soaking up the sun. It provided my partner and me with an opportunity to cherish uninterrupted quality time together. I feel immensely grateful to have found a paradise that consistently welcomes us with open arms. Each visit to Puerto Vallarta has been unique, offering new experiences and connections with others.
I really appreciate the diverse and open-minded community in Puerto Vallarta. It’s awesome how everyone thrives in their own individuality and self-expression. I think that is what makes it such a welcoming and inclusive destination, not just for the LGBTQ+ community but for everyone, no matter who they are.
Overall, Puerto Vallarta’s inclusive atmosphere, coupled with its natural beauty, cultural richness, and diverse offerings, makes it a great destination for everyone to come together and enjoy a totally unparalleled experience, and I cannot wait to go back!

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