People respond to bad news.  The news media has known this for years.  “If it  bleeds, it leads.”  We want to hear terrible things, things that happen to other people.  Customers write horrible reviews because they are often embolden to write a review when they feel ripped off, slighted, or are generally pissed off.  I know this from personal experience.  Last year we visited Puerto Penasco (Rocky Point) with a large group of friends.  Our trip was spoiled by a very unresponsive resort and some unpleasant experiences. We left with a bitter sense of dissatisfaction.  We complained to management but were not satisfied.  I’m never reluctant to point out to a business when something is wrong, but since we were not listened to  I went home and wrote a scathing review of this very “upscale” resort.  I included a litany of issues we encountered and warned everyone to stay away.  That review has over six thousand readers!  My blogs, which I attempt to carefully craft to be relevant, honest and engaging have a grand total of twenty five subscribers!  What the hell am I doing wrong?

Now I will tell you all how to avoid disaster in Mexico.  I have experienced some disasters in Mexico so I can share what I’ve learned.

 

Rules to not ruin your trip to Rocky Point Mexico

1.  Travel with people you enjoy spending time with.  It is amazing how many people go on trips with relative strangers and end up ruining a budding friendship.  On our most recent trip we traveled with one other couple we have traveled with before.
2. Have a shared goal for your vacation.  Relaxation? Sure.  Beach  time?  Absolutely.  Sampling local cuisine? Yes.  End up in a Mexican jail?  No thank you.
3. Remember you are a guest in the country DON’T BREAK THE LAW!
4. Set realistic expectations.  In Rocky Point you are likely to have great fresh fish, tacos and other local specialities but not likely to find many fine dining places. Accept it and move on.
5. The most important rule is to go with the flow.
6. Do your research on your accommodations.

Rocky Point Mexico is a four and a half hour drive from Phoenix Arizona.  Locals in Arizona refer to the boarder town as our own beachside community.  Not too many years ago Rocky Point was a place to camp on the beach and enjoy a quiet, fishing community with spectacular beaches and cheap food.

Today it is dotted with many condo communities and hotels filled with Americans enjoying the natural beauty of the town.  The town has grown and although there is little camping on the beach there is still a wide variety of accommodations to suit every taste and budget.

We spent three days in a condo community known as Sierra Bonita “Pretty Mountain”.  We rented through VRBO a beautifully appointed two bedroom condo with beach and pool views.  The community included, palapas, sandy beaches, swim up bars and an onsite restaurant.  To put it simply, we loved the place!  Decorator touches, a large patio, entertainment, and good proximity to many restaurants and bars.  Don’t forget to try the street food and drinks too!

The town of Rocky Point is filled with bars, taco stands and many shops selling cheap tours items like t-shirts, cowboy hats and blankets.  Haggling for prices is encouraged in the shops.  The shrimp is inexpensive and plentiful.  Be sure to pack the cooler with some to bring home and marvel at the price you get the giant shrimps for.

There are so many activities to take part in Rocky Point Mexico.  Rent a horse or an ATV.  Swim on the beach and walk for miles in the sand.  Get up at sunrise or enjoy the sunset.  Eat like a local.  Go to the chicken taco stand and get chicken, go to the carne asada stand and get steak.  But most of all enjoy what Mexico has to offer and appreciate the beauty of our neighbor to the south.