Masquerade Ball of the Carnival 2013

 

 

 

Carnaval de Mazatlan 2013 

 

The formal Masquerade Ball of the Carnival 2013 will be at:

Club Muralla, Sixto Osuna # 64, Centro

Thursday February 7, 2013 8:00 PM to Midnight

Tickets at Angela Peralta Theater, Plaza Machado, Gran Plaza and Cultura Office.

$450.00 Pesos

Proceeds will be split between Hospice Mazatlan & Amigos de Los Animales.

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6 Myths About Travel Spending That Cost You Money

By Martha C. WhiteJan. 30, 20130

Getty Images

 

Plenty of so-called conventional wisdom isn’t really wisdom, especially when it comes to travel spending.

The myth: Book your plane ticket as far ahead as possible.

The reality: The conventional wisdom that the early bird gets the worm was debunked last year when Airlines Reporting Corp. studied $82 billion worth of bookings and found that the sweet spot for prices is six weeks before the flight, when airlines start dangling deals to fill empty seats. In 2011, the study found that tickets were about 6% cheaper during this time frame, and the discount has been even higher in previous years. A more recent study published last week by CheapAir.com turned up similar results; it found that booking seven weeks out will let you score the best deals on airfare.

This holds true if you’re booking an awards ticket, says Gary Leff, who blogs at “View From the Wing.” Airlines don’t open award seats at the same time… This varies not just by airline but also by route and even day of week,“ he points out. If you want to cash in those miles, shoot for six to nine months out, and run some test searches a few weeks beforehand, he suggests. “Often times the patterns remain the same because far in advance airlines are usually working off a fairly generic playbook based on historical data.” That’s pretty good advice for people booking non-award tickets, too. Pricing out a few mock itineraries with similar specifications will give you a ballpark idea of the airline’s price ranges for that route.

 

The myth: You need the extra insurance on your car rental.

The reality: The associate at the rental-car counter will probably recommend — if not outright push you to get — the supplementary insurance for damage, theft or liability in the case of an accident. Don’t let the hard sell fool you, because there’s a good chance you already have this coverage. Many car insurance policies cover rentals, but the details vary, so it is a good idea to contact your insurance company before your trip just to be sure. Even if you’re not covered by your auto policy (or you don’t have a car), a wide variety of credit cards, particularly those in the “concierge service” premium category, also extend coverage for car rentals. You generally have to pay for the rental with that card and be listed as the primary driver on the rental agreement. In most cases, the credit card coverage is secondary insurance, which means you’ll still need to file a claim with your auto insurance company. And you’ll want to check if either your card or your policy will cover the “loss of use” fees many rental companies now charge. CreditCards.com has a chart that covers many of these details here.

The myth: You’ll get a better exchange rate overseas by paying in dollars.

The reality: Having a merchant in another country convert your purchase price from local currency into dollars won’t let you avoid a foreign transaction fee. On top of that, you’ll probably lose money on the exchange thanks to a practice called dynamic currency conversion. In general, the rule of thumb is that it’s smartest to use credit cards when traveling overseas. Some cards offer purchase protection if an item breaks or isn’t delivered as promised and all of them let you dispute a transaction. According to research conducted by CardHub.com, credit cards offer an exchange rate that’s about 8% better than what you’d get at a big American bank, and about 16% better than changing currency at the airport. The big “but” here is to make sure you’re using a card that doesn’t slap on a foreign transaction fee of around 3%; this will cancel out a favorable exchange rate.

Beyond the foreign transaction fee trap, dynamic currency conversion can trip up even seasoned travelers, says Odysseas Papadimitriou, CEO of CardHub.com. It might make sense to assume that paying for something in dollars will get you the best deal, but the exchange rate the merchant uses is totally at their discretion, and Papadimitriou says many will take advantage of the opportunity to pad their bottom line. “You’re not getting the Visa or MasterCard rate. You’re getting an inflated exchange rate the merchant gives you,” he says. “It defeats the purpose of using your credit card.” Make sure your receipt is in the local currency, and don’t sign it if it isn’t, he advises.

The myth: Airfare prices are lowest late Tuesday night.

The reality: Christopher Elliott, a consumer advocate who focuses primarily on travel, calls it a “persistent myth” that the best airfares can be found after midnight on Tuesday. Sorry, night owls: Two new studies found that you’re not scoring a great deal just because you stayed up late.

Researchers at Texas A&M University studied tickets for the same flights bought on different days of the week and found that those bought on the weekend were about 5% less. The study’s authors speculate that the predominance of leisure travel that takes place over the weekends drives this difference. “This conjecture is supported by the finding that the weekend purchase effect is distinctly larger on routes with a mixture of both business and leisure customers than on routes that disproportionately serve leisure customers,” they write.

However, the jury’s still out on weekend purchases. CheapAir.com also looked at this question in its study and came to a different conclusion: That there’s really no day of the week when prices are significantly lower. Relying on the notion of a magic sale window doesn’t substitute for doing your homework and comparison-shopping to get the cheapest prices.

The myth: The best hotel deals come from third-party sites.

The reality: A room rate on a third-party booking site might look like a steal, but don’t assume that it is. Call the hotel directly if you find a deal on another site, since a growing number have rate guarantees. According to the New York Times, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, InterContinental Hotels Group, and Wyndham Hotel Group all now offer guarantees that you’ll get the best rate booking through them. Going to the hotel’s site might also turn up packages including other perks, like free parking or a complimentary drink in the lounge, that the third-party booking sites don’t have.

Then there’s the personal touch when it comes to customer service. “Executives at hotels and airlines said they can deliver a more personalized experience when travelers book directly. That means guests may have a better chance of getting the bed or room type they want,” the Times points out. No, this doesn’t save you money, but after a long drive or flight, saving yourself the annoyance could be priceless. Also, keep in mind that if you’re a member of a hotel loyalty program, you might not be able to accrue points for a stay booked through a third-party site.

The myth: Duty-free is a place to score deals.

The reality: Perfume, sunglasses, gourmet chocolate — all at rock-bottom prices you can’t get unless you’re killing time in an airport terminal somewhere. That’s the implicit promise of duty-free stores, anyhow — but many offerings aren’t really all that special in terms of the savings. No, you’re not paying the tax you’d pay at a regular store, but duty-free goods sometimes can be priced higher than what you’d pay in a regular store. Esquire magazine did a side-by-side comparison of duty-free prices and found that it’s a mixed bag; there were decent deals on booze and cigarettes. But if you’re not into those vices, you might strike out: cologne and jewelry were cheaper at regular retailers. ”The big fragrance and cosmetics houses make more from duty free and travel retail than from many domestic markets,” research company Generation Research told Budget Travel.

Mazatlan bus information and maps

		Mazatlán's Bus Route Locator Map
				Key for frequently-referenced buses. SCe=Sábalo-Centro, SCo=Sábalo-Cocos, CJ=Cerritos-Juárez; PS=Playa Sur; US=Urias-Sábalo; EC=El Castillo; IN=Insurgentes; GP=Gran Plaza. Directions: N=North, S=South. GZ=Golden Zone; OA=Olas Altas; DT=Downtown. +W=Plus a walk. Note...routes change from time to time. Best to confirm this information with someone at your hotel, or another passenger standing by for a bus. To Go To: From GZ Take Bus: From DT Take Bus: Beaches Playas Cerritos/Bruja CJ N. SCe N to GZ+CJ Playas Gaviotas Walk SCe N; SCo N Playas Sábalo-Camarón Walk SCe N; SCo N Playa Norte SCe S SCe N Olas Altas SCe S; SCo S Walk Shopping Central Market (Mercado) SCe S; SCo S From OA: Any N Juárez Market CJ S Juárez from Av. Alemán La Gran Plaza (Comercial Mexicana) CJ S PS N; GP Sam's Club CJ S PS N Plaza del Mar (Ley) SCo S; US S SCo N Gigante SCo S; US S PS N+W; SCo N ISSSTE PS S; SCo S PS N; SCo N; IN N Sightseeing Stone Island (Isla de la Piedra) SCe S+PS or Walk EC; Juárez El Faro Lighthouse SCe+W; SCo+W Walk Angela Peralta Theatre SCe S; SCo S Walk Cathedral/Central Sq. SCe S; SCo S Walk Pacifico Brewery SCe+EC; SCo+EC EC High Divers' Tower SCe+W PS Aquarium SCe+W SCe+W Movies Multicinemas/ (Plaza Las Américas) SCo S; SCo N PS N; IN N Cinemas Gaviotas/ (Ejército Mexicano) SCo S; SCo N PS N; IN N Multicinemas/ (La Gran Plaza) CJ S PS N; GP N Cinemas Gaviotas/GZ SCe S; SCo S; CJ; US SCe N; SCo N Other Bullfight Arena SCo S; US S SCo N Baseball Stadium CJ+W PS+W Train Station CJ S EC+W; IN+W Bus Station SCo S SCo N; PS; IN

Huana Coa/ Los Osuna

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

UN Forecasts Robust International Travel Growth in 2013

January 30, 2013 By: News Wire Travel Agent

 

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International tourist arrivals grew by 4 percent in 2012 to reach 1.035 billion, according to the latest United Nations World Tourism Organization's (UNWTO) World Tourism Barometer.

Emerging economies (+4.1%) regained the lead over advanced economies (+3.6%), with Asia and the Pacific showing the strongest results, the UNWTO said. Growth is expected to continue in 2013 only slightly below the 2012 level (+3% to +4%) and in line with UNWTO long term forecast.

With an additional 39 million international tourists, up from 996 million in 2011, international tourist arrivals surpassed 1 billion (1.035 billion) for the first time in history in 2012. Demand held well throughout the year, with a stronger than expected fourth quarter.

By region, Asia and the Pacific (+7%) was the best performer, while by sub-region South-East Asia, North Africa (both at +9%) and Central and Eastern Europe (+8%) topped the ranking.

“2012 saw continued economic volatility around the globe, particularly in the Eurozone. Yet international tourism managed to stay on course,” said UNWTO Secretary-General Taleb Rifai. “The sector has shown its capacity to adjust to the changing market conditions and, although at a slightly more modest rate, is expected to continue expanding in 2013. Tourism is thus one of the pillars that should be supported by governments around the world as part of the solution to stimulating economic growth,” he added.

UNWTO forecasts international tourist arrivals to increase by 3 percent to 4 percent in 2013, much in line with its long term forecast for 2030: +3.8 percent a year on average between 2010 and 2020. This outlook is confirmed by the UNWTO Confidence Index. Compiled among over 300 experts worldwide, the Index shows that prospects for 2013 are similar to the evaluation of last year (124 points for 2013 against 122 for 2012).

By region, prospects for 2013 are stronger for Asia and the Pacific (+5% to +6%), followed by Africa (+4% to +6%), the Americas (+3% to +4%), Europe (+2% to +3%) and the Middle East (0% to +5%).
In 2012, growth was stronger in emerging economies (+4.1%) as compared to advanced economies (+3.6%), a trend which has marked the sector for many years now.

International tourist arrivals to Europe, the most visited region in the world, were up by 3  percent; a very positive result in view of the economic situation, and following a strong 2011 (+6%), the UNWTO reports. Total arrivals reached 535 million, 17 million more than in 2011. By sub-region, Central and Eastern Europe destinations (+8%) experienced the best results, followed by Western Europe (+3%). Destinations in Southern Mediterranean Europe (+2%) consolidated their excellent performance of 2011 and returned in 2012 to their normal growth rates.

Asia and the Pacific (+7%) was up by 15 million arrivals in 2012, reaching a total 233 million international tourists. South-East Asia (+9%) was the best performing sub-region much due to the implementation of policies that foster intraregional cooperation and coordination in tourism. Growth was also strong in North-East Asia (+6%), as Japanese inbound and outbound tourism recovered, while it was comparatively weaker in South Asia (+4%) and in Oceania (+4%).

The Americas (+4%) saw an increase of 6 million arrivals, reaching 162 million in total. Leading the growth were destinations in Central America (+6%), while South America, up by 4 percent, showed some slowdown as compared to the double-digit growth of 2010 and 2011. The Caribbean (+4%), on the other hand, is performing above the previous two years, while North America (+3%) consolidated its 2011 growth, UNWTO said.

Africa (+6%) recovered well from its setback in 2011 when arrivals declined by 1% due largely to the negative results of North Africa. Arrivals reached a new record (52 million) due to the rebound in North Africa (+9% as compared to a 9 percent decline in 2011) and to the continued growth of Sub-Saharan destinations (+5%). Results in theMiddle East (-5%) improved after a 7 percent decline in 2011, yet the region recorded an estimated 3 million international tourist arrivals less in 2012 in spite of the clear recovery in Egypt.

Available data on international tourism receipts and expenditure for 2012 covering at least the first nine months of the year confirm the positive trend in arrivals, UNTWO said.

Among the top ten tourist destinations, receipts were up significantly in Hong Kong (China) (+16%), the USA (+10%), the UK (+6%) and Germany (+5%). At the same time, a significant number of destinations around the world saw receipts from international tourism increase by 15 percent or more – Japan (+37%), India and South Africa (both +22%), Sweden and the Republic of Korea (both +19%), Thailand (+18%) and Poland (+16%).

Traditional source markets show renewed dynamism

Although the highest growth rates in expenditure abroad among the ten top markets came from emerging economies – China (+42%) and Russia (+31%) – important traditional source markets, showed particularly good results. In Europe, and despite economic pressures, expenditure on international tourism by Germany held well at +3 percent, while the UK (+5%) returned to growth after two flat years. In the Americas, both the USA and Canada grew at 7 percent. On the other hand, France (-7%) and Italy (-2%) registered declines in travel expenditure.

Smaller markets with significant growth were Venezuela (+31%), Poland (+19%), Philippines (+17%), Malaysia (+15%), Saudi Arabia (+14%), Belgium (+13%), Norway and Argentina (both +12%), Switzerland and Indonesia (both +10%).

Monarch Butterflies!

A Sweeney First: Zip-Lining in Mazatlan

 www.travelingwithsweeney.com
 Jan 17, 2013


By Mr. TWS — It’s always fun to try something new, especially if there is a feeling of daring involved. Last week, Sweeney and I had the opportunity to go zip-lining in Mazatlan, Mexico in the Sierra Madre foothills where we’d be whizzing 50 feet in the air for a mile through the trees!

Sweeney Zip-lining at Huana Coa Canopy Adventure

Sweeney enjoys a little adventure but she’s not particularly fond of heights. So it was with some apprehension that she anticipated this new exploit. Our zip-lining was to be followed by a tour and tasting at the nearby Los Osuna tequila distillery, and Sweeney joked that the itinerary might be better if the order was changed to do the tequila first.

Huana Coa Canopy Park near Mazatlan

Arriving at the Huana Coa Canopy Adventure Park (about 45 minutes from the resorts of Mazatlan), we were greeted by a friendly, welcoming staff amid attractive grounds.

Before our trip, Sweeney found one online description of zip-lining cautioning that a requirement was to “…be able to be on a small platform approximately 5 stories high without experiencing excessive anxiety or reactions, such as dizziness, hyperventilation, freezing, vomiting or fainting” and one Wikipedia alternative name for zip-lining — “death slide”. Yikes! Nonetheless, she put these cautions in proper perspective and was quite eager to get started. Any apprehension was alleviated by the professionalism of the guides, their attention to safety procedures and maintenance of the equipment.

Our guides, Roel and Jimmy, helped us into the gear: body harness, helmet and leather gloves, modeled by Sweenie below. I believe the slightly tense smile was for dramatic effect. (Incidentally, I appreciate her willingness to let me share what she considers to be less-than-flattering photos. I think she looks cute.) The scarf had to go for safety reasons and was placed with a few other unneeded things in a secure locker provided.

Sweeney in Zip-lining Gear Looking Totally Ridiculous (Her Words)

The journey to the zip-lining platform continued with a short drive up a very narrow, steep and rough dirt road appropriately in a rugged WWII Austrian truck.

In the World War II Truck to the First Zip-lining Platform

Then it was a final short walk through the terrain (“where the desert meets the jungle”) and up about 50 stairs to the first platform.

Where the Desert Meets the Jungle

As we approached the first platform below Sweeney looks like she is considering bolting back to the truck but I think it was just one of the odd poses one sometimes captures with candid shots. We were quickly given brief instructions and an additional mention of safety before mounting the first platform.

What is She Doing? Trying to Bolt?

Roel exemplified the attention to safety with his rule that he alone touch the equipment. Carefully monitored by Sweeney, Roel attached the zip-line trolley and harness mount to the cable and to her body harness. He also attached the backup harness strap.

Roel Attaching the Gear

Roel reviewed the instructions with Sweeney — hold the line connecting the trolley to your harness with your left hand; reach your right arm behind you and place your hand very loosely around the cable to be used to keep your body in a straight line by pulling on the cable to right your position if you spin to one side; use your right hand to slow down by pulling directly downward on the cable; keep your feet up and straight forward, and watch the hand signals of the guide as you approach the tower to signal if you need to brake.

Nervous Smile but Ready to Go!

Sweeney was told to sit down in the harness and lift her legs. Doing something a first time sometimes includes the fear of getting hurt, but mostly the fear is about looking stupid. The three main concerns we had were slowing too much and not maintaining enough momentum to get to the platform (in this case we were directed to spin and face backward and use both hands to grab the cable behind, pulling hand-over-hand until reaching the platform); gaining too much speed and coming into the platform hot; and getting twisted around.

Last Chance to Change Her Mind

Sweeney had a few last-second nervous questions and then she was off. I expected to hear a scream but I think she was completely focused on getting it right and she did with a good landing on the second platform. (By the way, the photos don’t capture the height of the zip line which was about 50 feet above the ground.)

And She’s Off!

The full course consisted of nine runs totaling a mile with 10 platforms. There were views of the Sierra Madre and the jungle/desert below us with cactus, flowers and butterflies everywhere, including a black butterfly with red dots that landed and camped on my nose. The only snag for Sweeney was at the end of the third run where she stopped 5 meters short of the platform but quickly recovered using the backward hand-over-hand technique. The perfect form and confident look in the photo below characterize a much enjoyed experience.

Coming in for the Last Landing

Rappelling from the Final Platform

The last platform had one other new activity — rappelling to the ground below.

Back on the Ground

Though Sweeney’s first time, she handled it calmly with a big smile.

Guides, Silverio and Jimmy

The friendly staff and especially our guides, Roel (in earlier pictures) and Jimmy and Silverio (just above) contributed to a fun outing. Their expertise, instructions and frequent humor helped quickly remove any nervousness enabling us to thoroughly enjoy the activity. In fact, the ride was so fun that we wanted to do it again!

Now that we’ve tried zip-lining, we highly recommend it as an activity for any adventure level and from our personal experience can recommend Huana Coa Canopy Adventure if you’re visiting Mazatlan.

For more information: Huana Coa Canopy Adventure

Disclosure: We were guests of the Mazatlan Tourism Trust, but the perspectives and opinions in this article are totally our own — as always!