Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

When Puerto Vallarta first entered the public's consciousness, it was with John Huston’s 1964 movie, The Night of the Iguana, it seemed an almost mythical tropical paradise. Today, it is the quintessential Mexican resort overflowing with the charm of Old Mexico. Narrow cobbled streets, lined with shops and galleries, provide perfectly shaded patios where you may sample Carne Asada as a mariachi band plays. Then, step into the solitude of the Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe, or stroll across the beautiful sands of Playa del Sol; both are crowd pleasers. Don’t forget to “bargain” with local merchants.