Travel has an uncanny way of teaching you about who you are. There is something about taking yourself out of your usual routine and atmosphere that exposes things about yourself that you didn’t know, especially in places like Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.
Tweet ThisI finally broke out of my travel paralysis and booked a trip to Puerto Vallarta in Jalisco State, Mexico- the land of tequila!
I didn’t end up in Florida like I thought I would (my son, for some reason, is not excited about FL), but Puerto Vallarta worked just fine for me.
I had a great time and even learned a few things about myself in the process. The next time you are on vacation, pay attention to the new and interesting things you notice about yourself.
Here are the things I discovered.
Los Arcos de Mismaloya, Tequila Tasting at the Blue Agave Plant and Las Caletas Beach
1. I love traveling light
There was a time when I needed a whole ton of items to travel with. I used to hate those TSA restrictions on liquids and potions, but once I embraced them, it actually was a blessing in disguise. I don’t think I will ever go back to lugging tons of suitcases around.
I traveled to Mexico with a 9 year old in tow and somehow made it with a tiny carry on roller, a floral duffel, his backpack and my handbag. I had everything I needed, did not need to do laundry and had multiple changes of outfits per day!
2. I never read as much as I think I am going to
I always imagine myself laid out at the pool or the beach lost in a book. I brought four books and the long plane ride was only reason I read two.
The fact is, when I am at the pool, I like to just lay out and appreciate the environs, or if there’s wifi, fuggedaboutit- that’s all the entertainment I need. I am not going to be reading that book.
Furthermore, at a family oriented resort, there are so many kids running around, splishing, splashing and squealing that the environment is not conducive to reading!
3.My money approach is totally different
When I am at home, I think carefully about all my spending. When I am on vacation, I set a budget, bring that money in cash and proceed to happily blow it. I tip for any and everything. I buy excursions that would take me weeks to decide on at home. My son commented that he loves the spending habits of “Vacation Mom”. Of course he does. 
Beach at Barcelo Mismaloya
4. I am an adventure and beach traveler
I pretty much knew I wasn’t much of a city vacationer. I think that explains why I haven’t been to Europe or many American cities yet, though I do intend to add that to my itinerary.
I thought I was a straight beach traveler, but a funny thing happened. The moment I got there I wanted to book an adventure. I wanted to get out to where the people live and have some amazing experiences. I did not want to lay out on the beach all day everyday. I wanted to do that of course, but not all the time.
Predator Movie Set at Garden of Eden, Puerto Vallarta
I took a city tour that stopped at the Malecon, the famous boardwalk in Puerto Vallarta. While I loved the artwork that could be seen from each alleyway that led to the Malecon, I realized I did not want to walk around and shop.
I wanted to be out doing adventurous things. I got out and checked out the Malecon, and probably should have gone back at night to experience the entertainment on the strip, but I was satisfied after seeing it for just a short while.
I ended up touring the city, checking out the gorgeous views at Los Arcos de Mismaloya, going tequila tasting, hiking into the mountains and going across hanging bridges to the set of the Predator movie and the Garden of Eden. I also took a catamaran to a secluded beach for the day where we did a ton of other activities and relaxed.
Beach at Las Caletas and Crown Paradise Club, Puerto Vallarta
5. I am a big scaredy cat
We took a day trip to the gorgeous secluded beach destination, Las Caletas. There are options to scuba dive, snorkel, paddle board, kayak, zip lining for kids, donkey riding as well as interact with monkeys, snakes, macaws, hawks, tarantulas and other animals. While my son devoured these activities, I pretty much thought I was going to pass out with that snake on my neck! The hawks talons looked like dangerous weapons, I was like no sir, I’ll pass!
6. I really need to learn to swim
Well I didn’t really learn this. I have known this for a while, and have even been to swim lessons a few times but somehow I have never been able to master it.
I wanted to visit the hidden beach on the Marietas Islands but due to the requirements of being a strong swimmer to get to the hidden beach, I was not able to.
Image sourced from Pinterest. I did not go there :(
At Las Caletas, I attempted to snorkel right at the shore while wearing a LIFE JACKET and somehow was not able to! I panicked and jumped out of the water, while my NINE year old bravely swam out (he is a strong swimmer). He had experiences like poking a puffer fish, seeing a school of manta rays and getting suctioned and inked by an octopus, while I watched sadly from the shore.
I really need to learn to swim.
7. I am OCD organized in a hotel room
I have to unpack all my toiletries in one drawer or area. I then have to designate a drawer for all dirty clothes. I have to lay out all my shoes in a line. When I leave the room in the morning, everything has to be in place so the housekeepers can easily clean.
I need to bring that organized person to my home!
I think it may have to do with there just being less stuff to deal with at a hotel. It is so easy to keep everything in place. I love the feeling of a clean hotel room. I have to get out of the room early each morning so that housekeeping can have easy access to refresh the room.
8. I really need limits in life ![🙂]()
I need to have a time to wake up, limits on availability of food and I need a schedule or routine. This is why I don’t like to vacation for more than a week. I end up overeating, over drinking and pretty much overindulging in everything.
Lunch for (2??) at Garden of Eden. Overindulgence Personified!
Thankfully, I still wake up early on vacation because I love to seize my entire day.
But if I were to permanently live the vacation lifestyle, I would be an overweight, unexercised wreck. I loved the vacation but I was also excited to come back to my life and the normalcy it provides me.
There you have it! I learned many random tidbits about myself that I wasn’t really mindful of before.
When you go on your next vacation, take some time to notice the little things about yourself that are different than at home. You may find out some interesting, fun facts!
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