subject: Big Boxes and Boutiques in Puerto Vallarta [print this page] Big Boxes and Boutiques in Puerto Vallarta
It doesn't matter what time of year you visit, Puerto Vallarta is a good place to be. When it's snowing at home, take a trip to Mexico and bake in the sun; visit in July and August and make a splash in the summer rains. One way or the other, the weather will only add color to your travel tales. Throw in a luxurious Puerto Vallarta vacation rental and you have all the ingredients for an exotic Mexican holiday. Once you get settled, let the ocean breezes caress your face and the local language tickle your ear . . . and think about all the things you meant to bring along that remain patiently waiting for you at home. Before you succumb to that sinking feeling, try to remember that you're comfortably set up in a Puerto Vallarta vacation rental with all the trimmings, and the staff can probably help you find some of those things you're missing. For everything else, you can go shopping.
Getting the goods In some cases, the item that didn't make the trip is more a victim of limited space in your baggage than dead space between your ears. You made strategic decisions for sound reasons ("This shirt/dress/ball cap is my trademark look that tells the world I'm a happening guy/fashionista/Mets fan,") anticipating that you'd be able to compensate for the cologne/shampoo/sweat socks you left behind.
And you played this one the right way there are plenty of places around town to find replacement toiletries, snacks and sweat socks for the ones that didn't make the cut in your packing decisions. For those everyday items that you are certain you can't live without, a trip to Sam's Club or Costco might be in order. These warehouse stores carry a huge variety of goods, from shampoo and toothpaste to freshly cut beef steaks. You might want to plan and share your purchases with a group, because most things are sold in large packages.
Perhaps you purposely left out your old swimming suit or beach cover-up in the understanding that you'd have a chance to replace it with a newer, more up-to-date model. Again, good call. There are several little boutiques in town, and one is certain to have what you're looking for (try Laura Lopez Labra Designs at Basilio Badillo 324 for lovely pieces in white). The Coconut Shop and House of Tequila can provide uniquely local treasures (coconuts and tequila) to help add color to your visit.
