Puerto Vallarta, Mexico is home to the new and modern San Javier Hospital and the even newer Cornerstone Hospital, both of which provide just about every kind of medical service available anywhere in the world. A third hospital, AmeriMed has been in Vallarta about 10 years and it too offers numerous services. AmeriMed currently has another huge new hospital under construction that will rival the San Javier and Cornerstone Hospitals. As a note of interest, the Cornerstone Hospital is modeled after the Cornerstone Group of hospitals in Texas and AmeriMed is headquartered in Arizona.

The tiny plane that had remained dark and quiet since departing Houston was suddenly quieter as the pilot reduced engine power and the nose of the aircraft began to tip downwards. With this cue, window shades were lifted and the blinding sun of a Mexican afternoon saturated the cabin. Eyelids were forced open just in time to view the approach; our plane skimming across the Sierra Madre mountain range, reaching a civilization made up of red-tiled roofs and white sun-washed houses, and then suddenly the blue immensity of the Pacific Ocean stretched before us.

Mexico’s GAP passenger traffic declines in April

MEXICO CITY, May 8 (Reuters) – Mexican airport operator GAP said on Thursday its April passenger traffic fell 5.3 percent, hit by Easter falling in March this year and amid economic weakness in the United States, Mexico’s main trade partner. GAP, which operates 12 airports along the Pacific coast region, including terminals at Puerto Vallarta, Los Cabos and Tijuana, said Easter was in April in 2007 and skewed the comparison. Easter is a major holiday period in Mexico.

While U.S. airlines have been dropping like flies (or at least grounding their planes and filing for bankruptcy), Mexico’s discount airlines have been steadily adding new destinations. Rather than suffering an interminable bus ride, now you can start your vacation in Guadalajara and zip over to Cancún to end it on the beach for about $120.

If you’re looking for a weekend getaway that won’t break the budget, consider one of these Mexico vacation spots for places to playa (playa means “beach”) this Cinco de Mayo. During this traditional day of festivities, margaritas and tequila shots taste even better in Mexico. Besides the wild nightlife, these hot Mexico vacation spots offer plenty to do and see during the day. Or you can just sit back and relax on the beach or by the pool at your own private villa rental.