TEQUILA, Jalisco – It may seem a long way to come for a jar of hand lotion, but this is a very special unguent. Applied with regularity, it is guaranteed to make your hands as silky-smooth as a 15-year-old’s.

I say guaranteed loosely, for no such pledge is written on the jar. But I put my faith in the solemn promise of Izmael the Jimador, the man who makes it.

A jimador is an expert in the cultivation of the agave plant. He is constantly wielding a variety of long-handled, razor-sharp tools in fields baked by a tropical sun.

Izmael’s hands should be calloused and rough. They are as smooth as a 15- year-old child’s. That’s good enough for me.

In Mexico’s backcountry, you seldom encounter tequila. Instead, you find bootlegged hooch and the firm belief that it will raise a man’s soul to its true height. Mescal is the catchall term for these spirits distilled from varieties of the agave and usually sold in recycled plastic soda bottles.

In Oaxaca, they call it simply mescal, and the best of it is now sold in the U. S. It’s overpriced at $60 or more but is smoky, complex, wonderful. In the mountains above Puerto Vallarta, bootleggers use the lechuguilla agave to make overproofed raicilla, the worst examples of which are terrifying.

Vodka venue goes international this week with an expose of the hotel Playa los Arcos, in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

Puerto Vallarta itself is an absolute paradise, along the lines of Tahiti, Rio, Cancun and Hawaii. While perhaps not as ardently sought by mainstream tourists, what Vallarta has over other popular vacation spots are reasonable rooms, food and transportation, and an appreciation for happy hour. Battling a now worldwide recession, combined with recent horrendous press stemming from the swine-flu, Mexico is currently an extremely affordable, and safe, destination. Puerto Vallarta stands out in terms of affordability, for despite outstanding weather, exceptional food and breathtaking vistas and beaches, it doesn’t benefit–or suffer, depending upon your perspective–from regular, excessive tourist traffic.

Vodka venue goes international this week with an expose of the hotel Playa los Arcos, in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

Puerto Vallarta itself is an absolute paradise, along the lines of Tahiti, Rio, Cancun and Hawaii. While perhaps not as ardently sought by mainstream tourists, what Vallarta has over other popular vacation spots are reasonable rooms, food and transportation, and an appreciation for happy hour. Battling a now worldwide recession, combined with recent horrendous press stemming from the swine-flu, Mexico is currently an extremely affordable, and safe, destination. Puerto Vallarta stands out in terms of affordability, for despite outstanding weather, exceptional food and breathtaking vistas and beaches, it doesn’t benefit–or suffer, depending upon your perspective–from regular, excessive tourist traffic.

Fear of the swine flu and drug trade violence are preventing foreigners from visiting Mexico. From all accounts in the Puerto Vallarta area, no one has the flu or knows of anyone with the flu, and drug related violence is not in evidence in this scenic Pacific coast tourist mecca.

Instead, American’s fears on these matters are harming our neighboring country. I recently returned with my young daughters from a once-in-a-lifetime, three-month immersion in Puerto Vallarta. All three of us were distraught that we had to leave our beloved, newly adopted home in Mexico.

Since our return, we keep hearing that Americans should not travel to Mexico. The warnings imply that American tourists will not be safe. We would like to go on record that the parts of Mexico to which we traveled are safe! And without American tourists, the Mexican economy is in great trouble

It’s always fun to drink local beers when you travel. Below is a list of the most common beers brewed in Mexico. Next time you’re on the beach in Cancun or strolling the streets of Guadalajara, you’ll be more prepared when you duck into a cantina for a break from the sun.

Bohemia. Served in a dark bottle with gold foil on the neck, Bohemia is a bit more expensive than other beers, but it has a robust taste and is a bit of a status symbol.

In keeping with full disclosure, I have to admit a very strong bias: One of my favorite destinations on the planet is Puerto Vallarta (PV). Airport transport is not a hassle (if you make pick-up reservations when you book your hotel), the road system is well maintained (see Mexico City for hellish highway congestion), the town-square is chock full of shops (from trinkets to gems), dining options (from the mundane to gourmet), entertainment (from street performers to night clubs), hotels (from budget to over-the-top luxury) and nearby towns (i.e., San Sebastian) where time stopped at the 18th century – all contribute to a desirable retreat.

After dropping down to tropical storm status on Sunday afternoon and spending all of Monday as a tropical storm, Carlos once again regained hurricane status earlier this morning.

Hurricane Carlos is located about 1465 miles southwest of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico and it remains only a threat to marine interests.

Due to Carlos’ small size, it has not become a huge wave generator and thus far has had little impact on the wave heights along the southern and southeastern facing shores of Hawaii.

MEXICO CITY, July 11 (Reuters) – Tropical Storm Carlos is likely to become a hurricane by Sunday off Mexico’s Pacific coast but is far out to sea and heading away from land, the U.S. National Hurricane Center said.

“Carlos is expected to become a hurricane later today or on Sunday,” the Miami-based center said on Saturday.

Carlos was located about 970 miles (1,560 km) south-southwest of the southern tip of the Baja California peninsula, with maximum sustained winds of 65 mph (100 kph).

Baja California is home to the popular beach resort of Los Cabos but the area is mainly desert and does not have any oil rigs or refineries. (Reporting by Robin Emmott; Editing by Eric Beech)

The fanciest resorts in Mexico’s beach playground of Puerto Vallarta are in the midst of offering the deepest discounts of the year.

Not only can you stay in a five-star all-inclusive resort from rates of $79 per person, per night (Barcelo La Jolla De Mismaloya), but I’ve dug up a gem of an airfare deal to make this DIY vacation package extra sweet.

The place to book your resort stay (many of the best deals expire at midnight, July 4) is at Bookit.com.

Samples of the bargains include the all-inclusive Hotel Riu Vallarta, a top family-friendly resort with a Kids Club, day to night activities, all meals, drinks and more at per person, per night rates from $69.