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Show Page 1)8 THE DAILY HERALD, Provo, I'tah, Sunday, January 21, . 19 3 By ZEKE WIGGLESWORTH Knight-RiddNewspapers er millions of U.S. desert dwellers. The highAmerican tourists and wealthy Mexicans way leading from the Arizona border to come here for sun and fun, which means Pefiasco is almost all spanking-nepaver jobs and money. Most of the regulars who stretch that's better than' come down here from the United States ment, a two-lan- e the Arizona road going to the border. It's don't even use the Mexican name they easy to make it from Tucson or Phoenix to call it Rocky Point. the ocean in four hours or less. The place is, simply, easy Mexico. If you're a purist, the type that likes to are cars into Sonora, rarely Going searched and Mexican authorities seldom hike the bottom of the Copper Canyon or wander around small villages in the Sierra ask to see driver's licenses or vehicle documents. (You go through Mexican cusMadre, Pefiasco is definitely not for you and you should avoid Los Cabos, too. toms only as you enter.) Returning through But if you like things uncomplicated U.S. customs is almost as casual. Because of its relative isolation, there are none of such as not having to deal with foreign the incredible traffic snarls that clog most languages or foreign currency and like of the major border crossings between the to hang around a clean beach and stay in a two countries. decent hotel and eat good food and drink There is in Puerto Pefiasco the same margaritas in the shade of a palm tree sort of dual culture that you see in the overlooking the Sea of Cortes, this is the Baja. Dollars and pesos are interchangeplace. The ocean here has a huge tide able. Almost everybody in town speaks about 25 feet but the beach slopes genEnglish. There is little of the overt tly and there are no riptides. activity you find in other parts of Hurry, however. The generally slow Mexico. It's a nice, friendly arrangement. and calm pace here will change fast if w PUERTO PENASCO, Mexico The local condo aJesman looked out over the wide, long beach in front of the brand new Plaza Las Glorias Hotel and purred. "Over there, by the beach, they are going to build three more resorts. Pretty soon, it'll look just like Cancun." Meaning, depending on how you look at!it, this small settlement of 30,000 on the Se"a of Cortes is either going to hell or turning into another great Mexican beach resort. The problem with Puerto Pefiasco, if .you're of the school, is it's too easy to get to from the United States. It's so easy because the route from Arizona to Puerto Pefiasco goes through a "free zone," meaning the normal travel papers needed in Mexico proof of citizenship, photo ID, tourist card .. are not required. Puerto Pefiasco is the closest beach for going-to-he- ll anti-grin- go around the pool, inhale food and tequila and roast their pale bodies in the hot Mex icansun.. The main business and governmental areas are pretty dull, situated away frorrj the beach and the major hotels. Most of the tourist action is at four areas: Sandjj Beach next to the Plaza las Glorias; at the fish market area next to the city harbori along the beaches on the southeast comes of the city; and at Cholla Bay, situated oa a peninsula a few miles northwest of town. The two best places to stay are both on Sandy Beach: the Plaza Las Glorias and the Playa Hermosa. ; Ranas Ranas (Frogs) is a disco, sport? bar, happy hour swinging joint within walking distance of the beach. (You get a free bottle of wine on your birthday.) If yoi$ thought disco was dead, check out Ranai That's about it: sun, sand, food, drinks Quiet, not much going on. Safe, sanej mosuy sanuary. non-reso- m Easy Mexico. PR INCESS CRUISES & nvite You to Join us On a Cruise to the those resorts sparkling in the eye of the condo salesman are, in fact, completed. This major shrimping port is a popular and growing retirement community and tourist center. The shrimp boats mean you can get some of the best eats cn the coast. If you're looking for a super cheap getaway, forget it. Rooms at the big Plaza Las Glorias hotel, for example, go for $100 a night on weekends, $85 a night during the week. Rooms at other, less attractive hotels are not as expensive, but still high rt areas of Mexico. compared to Prices at decent restaurants are also about what you'd expect to pay in the U.S. It is possible, however, by staying at a pension and eating street food, to hang around Rocky Point and not spend a lot of money. There are several large RV parks in town, if that's your style. The major offeractivities are the usual resort-styl- e and sea boat ings: deep fishing, diving rentals. Mostly what short-tertourists do is what you'd expect: lie on the beach or PRINCESS BAY L St Z i u;;,,. Our private beach party island in the Grenadines is a tiny jewel of white sands, fancy palm trees and turquoise waters. Here you can snorkel, sail, ' and tour by glass- bottom boat. hut ST. MAARTEN Explore the best of the. French and Dutch sides of the island. Sidewalk cafes, and white sands fringed with coconut palms await you. Or choose a deep-se- a fishing, golfing, sailing or snorkeling adventure, , . ST. THOMAS This "American Paradise" has everything you could hope for - duty-fre- e s shopping, dive beaches, sites, and sensational " golf courses. Sailing March 30, 1996 world-famou- top-notc- h from San Juan, Puerto Rico "Love Boat" Regal Princess on the ma I Cabin Prices Start at per person, double occupancy, air, transfers and port tax extra. I SAN JUAN For a glimpse of Old Spain, take a stroll straight into the 16th century in San Juan. The cobbled lanes will lead you to ancient goods. churches, hotels, and stores filled with duty-fre- : e Limited Availability At this price . . . MARTINIQUE Towering mountains meet verdant rain forests and crystal clearJ waters. Nature lovers will enjoy the Butterfly Farm. Francophiles will ;u' be charmed by Fort-de- France. And we have golfing and snorkeling. !' 2S3 too. f , CALL TODAY! Join your friends and neighbors on the 8th Annual BARBADOS d Daily-Heral- cruise to the Southern Caribbean. Enjoy the beauty, fun and adventure of the Southern Caribbean islands in one unforgettable week. Sailing from historic San Juan right in the heart of the Caribbean allows you to experience five different ports of call and a new island culture nearly every day. You'll visit Islands that blend Spanish, French, English and Dutch influences with the music, cuisine and customs of the West Indies. There's Southern Caribbean something for everyone on this cruise. Call one of the travel agencies listed below for more information. Call today! - History buffs will enjoy a tour of the old Villa Nova Great House. Nature lovers can take an Ecotour or Harrison's ' explore Cave. There's even a rum distillery tour and pubhop, and an "In Focus' photography excursion. 300-year- -. f. -""- ""-SSsi...::"--- .V$:2 ., ni ft' Willi f" - H.?. iTIiuiii - mum v " . r I 7-d- ay BOOK YOUR CRUISE WITH ONE OF THESE TRAVEL AGENTS Premier Travel Service 1160 S State Ste 170 Orem,Ut 84058 Your 1 i 221-11- 11 I eOne. JVitirdock Local Inoopondont Cruln Spodolltt in Cruising, Nationwide - JT l 1 "Your Travel Specialists For Over 36 Years" 777 East 1300 South OREM PREMIER Cruiser's Club Hq. Travel Related Discounts 221-970- TRAVEL SERVICE !NC. 0 Morris Travel .. Stsvwom 4 J Wisest rave I S t . r PR0VO OREM 218 No. SUM St 2520 N. University Ave. 0 756-527- 5 "American Fork outski uuh 1070 N. Main Piwt, Utah ;' 748480 Rutty Chambers 1 Puslr.css Hours uwner M-- j F 8:30-5:3- Sat. 9-- 0 & Cruise Services Airline Tickets 1 i 798-737- 1 Complete Travel .1 TOURS lMTRAVEL O" 1 SPANISH FORK c. tin-- . 22m Worth Unfvtr slty Parkway ML Your Utah Valley Locations: "We Specialize In Personal Service" 640 E. State Rd. iRT Kl'l . Cruises Vacation Adventure Packages Eurail Group & Business Services Ticket Delivery ;.- - - .... if i niii rm rial imiiim mmm 1 iwn "SERVICE". THAT'S WHAT WE'RE ALL ABOUT! & ' 226-424- 2 1 887 S. Orem Dlvd. Orem il iowm I 910 South State, Orem T3SvS' CALL 224-105- 0 |
