The best economy class seats (no additional fee required!)

 Airfarewatchblog

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The best economy class seats (no additional fee required!)

Posted by George Hobica on Thursday, February 28, 2013

Can’t be, won’t be cramped when flying? If you’re tired of squeezing into what seems like that ever-shrinking bit of real estate the airlines call an economy class seat, you’re not alone.

In an era where it’s often necessary to shell out extra bucks to get the kind of seat you used to be able to get as part of your base ticket price, we have to wonder: How long before they start charging us to even sit down at all?

But even now, in this time of downsized seats and rising fares, it’s important to remember that not all coach class accommodations are created equally terrible.

Sure, there are the dreaded seats that don’t recline on Spirit Airlines and have an excruciating 28 inches between seats (they call them “pre-reclined,” and for doing so, Spirit ought to get an award for the best /worst public relations spin, ever), or the brutally stingy sizing that we must take for granted on too much of the Delta fleet (that airline’s 737-800 models, to cite one example, have as few as 30 inches of  “seat pitch” according toSeatGuru whereas Southwest’s 737-800 models have as much as 33 inches (and yes, two inches makes all the difference).

Some airlines (we’re talking to you, JetBlue) prefer to leave customers with intact knees at the end of their flight. Which is very kind of them, indeed. Some have seats so wide, you might even call them roomy. Others supply still more bells and whistles, such as killer entertainment systems, leather seats and more. Sound plush? It can be, actually, if you book correctly. Best of all, you won’t have to pay a penny extra.

For ten planes where being a cattle class passenger isn’t nearly as humiliating as you might think, check out Airfare Watchdog’s handy chart, here.

Note: Seat pitch, if you’re unfamiliar, is the industry term denoting the distance between any one point on a seat and the same point on the seat in front or in back. Most experts say that 32” is the minimum before things start to get ugly, for anyone above average height. Width is important, as well – 17.5” inches or more is best, but in some cases, we’ve made an exception – and given an explanation.

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: How a flexible date search can save you even more money on your next flight, & Real talk from an imaginary airline executive.

Follow us on Twitter @airfarewatchdog

Seating image via Shutterstock

To learn more, visit George Hobica's profile on Google+

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Loredana Moro posted in Zipolite

Ten reasons why first or business class is (and isn't really) "worth it"  Airfarewatchblog Ten reasons why first or business class is (and isn't really) "worth it" Posted by George Hobica on Tuesday, February 11, 2014 Recently on Twitter, one of my 365,000 followers responded to this article about getting a better seat when you fly. True enough, he was tweeting from a first class seat on@AmericanAir for which he paid the economy class fare of $124 plus a $90 upgrade. But another Tweep chirped in; "I mean, is it really that luxurious to have a foot of extra space for $90 extra?" We went back and forth a bit, but I think he wasn't quite convinced that yes, it is worth it. His final word? "I guess subjective value is a thing after all." So I got to thinking: what besides "a foot of extra space" does first class (and I'm talking just domestic U.S. travel) get you? Let's get this out right away: for me, it has nothing to do with "status"—although for some, that's the main draw. 1. Yes, more leg room. But that's not really it. You can get more legroom in "economy plus" or "main cabin extra" or whatever your airline calls those extra legroom economy class seats. Or you can fly JetBlue, where the economy seats have a few extra inches. And even with the extra legroom, unless you're seating at the bulkhead you still have to climb over your seatmate if you're in the window seat (unless you're on a plane like American's 777-300ER where all business and first class seats have aisle access). 2. Then there's the meal. OK, airline food is airline food, but lately it's been getting a lot better. There are imaginative fresh salads, ice cream sundaes and fresh baked cookies on American, for example. Delta is working with New York-based restaurateur Danny Myers to improve its offerings in business/first. But the meal isn't it either. You could bring your own food on board from your favorite deli or gourmet shop and eat better. 3. Free booze. Some people love this, but that's not it either. You shouldn't drink when you fly anyway, because it's dehydrating. 4. More privacy. This is important, at least to me. There are fewer people in first class. Seating is two by two. Seats are wider so there's no fighting for the armrest. There's no chance of ending in the middle seat. And of course, if you're lucky enough to have a seat by yourself, such as on American's new A312T in first class you're in airline heaven. Bottom line: It's just less crowded. 5. Padded seats. Now we're really getting somewhere. And this is the main reason why I pay for first class, either heavily discounted non-refundable first or business fares, with mile upgrades, or last minute upgrade offers when checking in online. As I explained to @Clint7981, when you reach a certain age (Clint looks like he's 20 by the way), your poor tired bones, muscles and posterior aren't as padded or limber as they once were. First/business seats, unlike those rock-hard new, fuel-saving "slimline" seats in economy, still have lots of padding. They remind me of the seats in those Lockheed Constellations and DC-7's I used to fly as a kid. (Yes, I'm that old.) 6. Easier access to the lavs. When you gotta go,you gotta go. Sometimes the line at the back of the plane to use the lavs can be five deep. Not so in first/business. 7. Nicer flight attendants. I'm not saying that economy class flight attendants aren't nice; many are. But they're a lot nicer in first or business. It just makes traveling more pleasant when someone addresses you by name and smiles a lot. 8. Priority boarding and TSA lines. You can get some of these perks with airline-branded credit cards and by paying a bit extra on an economy fare, true. And some people argue that it's not worth getting on board early. 9. No fighting for overhead bin space. There's generally plenty for everyone. And if somehow there isn't, the nice flight attendants will put your stuff in the forward closet. No "gate checking." 10. Power ports. On some older planes, only first or business class seats have them at all seats. A must if you're planning to work (or play) inflight and you need juice. Some will remain unconvinced. As my mother used to say, "We all get there at the same time." But mom, bless her soul, never flew in first. To learn more, visit George Hobica's profile on Google+

Amor robado. Dany Rivera

Zipolite, Pacific Coast, Oaxaca state, Mexico

http://www.history.com/topics/mexico/oaxaca/pictures/oaxaca/zipolite-pacific-coast-oaxaca-state-mexico

Zuccinho Do Nascimento Una fotito!! Saludos A fotito! Best regards (Translated by Bing)

Zuccinho Do Nascimento

Una fotito!! Saludos

A fotito! Best regards (Translated by Bing)

Do You Want to Travel Independently in Mexico? I Promise to Write All About It. FEB 15 Posted by TC

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Do You Want to Travel Independently in Mexico? I Promise to Write All About It.

FEB 15

Posted by TC

Hello friends. I’ve written this blog for a few years now, and it’s a real pleasure to see all the visitors I’ve had: where they’re from, what they click on, and what they searched for that brought them to this blog.

My life can be chaotic. I go through periods of lots of work, mostly teaching and translating, often 12+ hours a day, riding all over town on my bike to schools and private lessons and then coming home to big surprise late-night translations.

So it can be hard to find time to write, and I’m not just talking about this blog, but all thetravel and living abroad websites and magazines I submit stories to.

Writing the story is the easy part. Then you have to research the magazine, read back issues to see what kind of stories they publish and what they’ve already published, and finally write that perfect query letter to the editor.

And then wait. And then do it again.

But please don’t think I’m complaining. I get about 4 months a year of vacation from the university, in summer and winter. So I get big chunks of time to travel all over southern Mexico and Central America. Most of the stories on this blog come from those trips.

And although I write all the time while traveling, I don’t bring my laptop with me and I don’t always have Internet access. So I put the blog on the back burner, until I come home with notebooks full of notes, observations, and half-finished stories in my near-illegible handwriting.

But then between these busy times of work or travel, the transition periods are much more chill. A semester may start in one school, but not yet at the other. I may not have so many private English lessons yet. So during these times, like now (I just got back from the Oaxaca coast), I can work on my writing and post to this blog.

A couple days ago I was looking for some information about South Africa. I know nothing about South Africa.

What’s the major airport? Where are some cool places to see in the country – cities and nature? How do you get around, by bus? How much is a cheap hotel?

I found that it wasn’t easy to find the answers to all of these questions in just one place.

Not even Lonely Planet was simple and comprehensive enough for me, the potential traveler looking for the most basic information, someone who doesn’t want to use a travel agency or, much less, the dreaded all-inclusive guided tour.

It made me think about my blog. While about a month ago I compiled a bunch of stories and information about Mexico in one post, Do Not Visit Mexico Until You Read This, it was mostly stories about specific locations in Mexico. There’s a lot more to say about independent travel here.

I realized that I should write what I was looking for about South Africa – a simple explanation of what independent travel in Mexico is like.

Independent travel in Mexico is easy, safe (if you take the right precautions), inexpensive, and vastly rewarding. And, if you are from the U.S. (like me), it’s just one country down, perhaps even closer than another part of the U.S.

Don’t you want to get to know your neighbor?

So, I promise, over the next month or so I will write entries for the following topics:

• When to Go
• Transportation
• Hotels
• Safety
• Money Matters
• Destinations
• Food and Drink
• Culture
• Useful Local Phrases

I may think of more. Any suggestions?

My plan is to eventually have a no-nonsense guide to independent travel to Mexico on this blog.

So please stick around, join my email list, check back in a few weeks, leave a comment, and come visit! You’ll love Mexico, wherever you go or whatever you do while you’re here.

Thanks and keep in touch.

If you are planning on traveling to Cancun or the Mayan Riviera, please take a look at my Cancun and Mayan Riviera 5-Day Itinerary on unanchor.com, or check out the kindle version on Amazon here: Cancun Unanchor Travel Guide – Cancun and Mayan Riviera 5-Day Itinerary

Zipolite 14

Casa de Cultura El Mazunte Like This Page · January 27 Este miércoles 29 de enero los esperamos en la biblio de 16.30 a 18 hrs. (Esta actividad es con cooperación consciente) ¡Nos vemos! This Wednesday January 29 we look forward in the biblio from 16.30 to 18 hrs. (This activity is with conscious cooperation) see you! (Translated by Bing)

Casa de Cultura El Mazunte

Like This Page · January 27 

Este miércoles 29 de enero los esperamos en la biblio de 16.30 a 18 hrs.
(Esta actividad es con cooperación consciente)

¡Nos vemos!

This Wednesday January 29 we look forward in the biblio from 16.30 to 18 hrs.
(This activity is with conscious cooperation) see you!(Translated by Bing)

A.K.D - Hypnotic Journey

Can Mexico's health program teach the U.S. to lose weight?

Judith Frey posted in livelula bar (zipolite, oaxaca, mexico) Judith Frey Judith Frey 5:59am Feb 15 Secret show tonight at livelula's. I heard they are good! Some drummer that I know is in the band, an amazing guitarist/singer guy I am aquanted with and a really talented and beaiutiful bass player. I am only a groupie, and am soooo excited! more info later shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

Judith Frey posted in livelula bar (zipolite, oaxaca, mexico)

Judith Frey 5:59am Feb 15 Secret show tonight at livelula's. I heard they are good! Some drummer that I know is in the band, an amazing guitarist/singer guy I am aquanted with and a really talented and beaiutiful bass player. I am only a groupie, and am soooo excited! more info later shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

Blues Dance Raid - Steel Pulse (1982) Remastered Audio/HD Video

Lum & Abner Valentine's Day 1940

Dj TB - Sunglider (Progressive Psytrance Mix 2014)

Amor al desnudo en Zipolite, la playa nudista de México

Zipolite Beach Billies via Zipolite Beach Billies Finally!! New ZBB. I'll be posting some of the new sounds periodically, so stay tuned. Make sure you listen to the end of this one for a special guest appearance by the ailing pterodactyl!!

Zipolite Beach Billies via Zipolite Beach Billies

Finally!! New ZBB. I'll be posting some of the new sounds periodically, so stay tuned. Make sure you listen to the end of this one for a special guest appearance by the ailing pterodactyl!!

Sell Music online at ReverbNation.com

Devonne Lavariega posted puerto escondido ...

Devonne Lavariega Donovan

puerto escondido ...

Lorenzo Scandiuzzi posted in Zipolite

Lorenzo Scandiuzzi posted in Zipolite

Dr. Christian My True Valentine 1940

DELEITA TU PUPILA EN LAS BELLA PLAYA DE ZIPOLITE OAXACA ES PERFECTO PARA SURFEAR ..... Y DARTE UN BUEN BRONCEADO .. VISITA ZIPOLITE !!!! ¿ QUE ESPERAS ? DELIGHT YOUR PUPIL IN THE BEAUTIFUL BEACH OF ZIPOLITE, OAXACA IS PERFECT FOR SURFING... AND TO GIVE YOU AN AMAZING TAN... VISIT ZIPOLITE! YOU EXPECT? (Translated by Bing)

Devonne Lavariega Donovan

DELEITA TU PUPILA EN LAS BELLA PLAYA DE ZIPOLITE OAXACA

ES PERFECTO PARA SURFEAR .....

Y DARTE UN BUEN BRONCEADO ..

VISITA ZIPOLITE !!!! ¿ QUE ESPERAS ?

DELIGHT YOUR PUPIL IN THE BEAUTIFUL BEACH OF ZIPOLITE, OAXACA IS PERFECT FOR SURFING...

AND TO GIVE YOU AN AMAZING TAN...

VISIT ZIPOLITE! YOU EXPECT? (Translated by Bing)

GOOD PLACE TO SURF... GET A TAN...

Devonne Lavariega Donovan

BUEN LUGAR PARA SURFEAR...

BRONCEARSE...

Y PASAR UN BUEN DOMINGO FAMILIAR O CON LA PAREJA.......See More

GOOD PLACE TO SURF...

GET A TAN...

AND HAVE A GOOD SUNDAY FAMILY OR WITH YOUR PARTNER...

THAN waiting if you like the SURF and be RELAXED (a) visit!(Translated by Bing)

Argonauta Caffe Saludos!

Argonauta Caffe

Saludos!
http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUlwagLKWTHPX3AJHume_tw?feature=watch

Best regards!
http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUlwagLKWTHPX3AJHume_tw?feature=watch (Translated by Bing)

Colectivo Caffe

youtube.com

COLECTIVO CAFFE es un Grupo Mexicano de Rap . El Grupo está formado por los Miembros Baner Kayaman y Argon Originarios de Mexico. Los Integrantes del duo Act...

Sun and Sand on the Oaxacan Coast Posted on February 11, 2013 As published in The Oaxaca Times 2/10/13

http://hannaharonowitz.com/2013/02/11/sun-and-sand-on-the-oaxacan-coast/

Sun and Sand on the Oaxacan Coast

Posted on February 11, 2013

As published in The Oaxaca Times 2/10/13

Blue sea, white sand and electric pink sunsets. Although the colorful city of Oaxaca can often be hard to leave, the Oaxacan coast is a must-see destination for any tourist, and for a resident, it is a compulsory weekend getaway.

There are plenty of microbus and van operators that service routes from Oaxaca to the coast, although the 6-7 hour bus ride, which hairpin curves itself through the mountains, is a test for even the strongest stomach. Arm yourself with nausea medication, an Ipod (reading is out of the question) and a neck pillow or eye mask to help you doze off in relative comfort. For those with weak stomachs and more patience or funds, opt for an ADO bus that routes through Acapulco, or a quick flight on Aerotucán.

To reach Puerto Escondido, one of the most popular destinations, Servicio Express (Arista 116; 516-40-59) has nine departures daily between 5 a.m. and 10 p.m. for about M$200.

Puerto Escondido is a laid-back fishing town, which has become a worldwide surfing desination due to the famous wave, the so-called “Mexican Pipeline,” that breaks on Playa Zicatela. Considered one the best surfing waves in the world, it has long drawn surfers, and with them, the surf culture that is now characteristic of Puerto Escondido. While the surf is superb (and calmer during the dry season Nov.-April), swimming here can be a bit treacherous which makes sunbathing on the perfect white sand beach an ideal activity for the non-surfer.

Surfers, fisherman casting lures by hand, and diving pelicans compete for space on La Punta, or the southernmost point of the bay. With recent additions La Punta now has several comfortable and affordable accommodations fronted with palapa restaurants and is a good alternative if you are looking for something more laid-back than the happening, developed downtown of Playa Zicatela.

The Tower Bridge Backpackers Hostel (Oceano Antartico 1; 954-582-0823), although located a bit off the beaten path near Playa Carrizalillo, is very popular among younger backpackers looking for a social ambience to meet other travelers.

For nightlife, Playa Zicatela is the place to be, with restaurants and bars that line the main drag of Calle del Morro. Start your night at Casa Babylon, a kitschy and lovable bar that has a great collection of Mexican Masks and English-language books lining the walls, and serves up world-class mojitos and live music many nights of the week. Continue on to one of the beach bars if you want to drink over-priced cocktails on daybeds with your toes in the sand, and then end your night at Barfly, a spacious rooftop bar located above the La Hostería restaurant, where DJs spin a mix of latin-electro-pop and a lively crowd dances into the night.

If the surf and party vibe isn’t what you’re looking for head south to Mazunte by catching a public bus in front of the Super Che Supermarket, asking the driver to drop you off at Las Cruces de San Antonio and then catching a collectivo (shared taxi) that usually looks like a pickup truck with a tarp on the back, into town. The trip should take about an hour and the pristine cove of Mazunte is worth it. With a great swimming beach, a chilled-out hippie vibe, and unbeatable sunsets, Mazunte has long attracted the laid-back traveller, many of whom seem to never leave.

If you’d prefer to head directly to Mazunte or Zipolite (Mazunte’s neighbor) straight from Oaxaca City, Eclipse 70 (Bustamente 70; 951-516-1068) has departures from Oaxaca every hour between 3:30 a.m. and 11:30 p.m., arriving to Pochutla, which is just a 20 minute taxi ride away from those coastal towns.

The main road in town, Paseo del Mazunte, which runs parallel and slightly inland of the beach, is where you can find cheaper eats and budget accommodation. On the eastern end of the beach you will find somewhat dingy but passable rooms with shared bathrooms for reasonable beachfront prices (about M$50-150) located behind sandy-floored restaurants.

Playa Rinconcito, as the western end of the beach is called, is home to some higher-end accommodation and restaurants. With a stellar location on a hill by the beach, Posada el Arquitecto has dorms (M$70) and private cabañas (M$400-750). For more bang for your buck, head uphill from the most western street, Andador Rinconcito, towards Punta Cometa for unbeatable views of Mazunte. At Cabañas Miramar, you can stay in a clean, comfortable cabaña with a private bathroom and balcony (M$350 for single bed, M$600 for a double), and then follow a short, steep path downhill to reach the beach.

Punta Cometa, a rocky point that juts south out in the sea, provides incredible views to both to the east and west, making it a uniquely perfect place to view both the sunrise and the sunset. On the western side of Punta Cometa is a small, stunning beach with intense waves called Playa Mermejita, which is a great location for nighttime bonfires.

For activities, Mazunte offers a turtle refuge center, Centro Mexicano de la Tortuga, as well as lanchas, or small boats, which leave from the beach at 8 a.m. (M$180) guided by local fishermen to view turtles, as well as dolphins and whales. While there are several options for yoga, Agama Yoga Center, which you reach by heading west on the main road, is popular for its drop-in classes (M$100) as well as retreats and delicious vegetarian fare.

For breakfast, don’t miss La Baguette bakery’s pan relleno, a freshly-baked bun filled with half-melted chocolate and bananas, accompanied by a licuado, or a fresh fruit juice or smoothie, from the shop next door. For dinner, Siddartha, has a good selection of international fare, including vegetarian options and an unbeatable view of the sea.

Heading east on the main road out of Mazunte (just 20 minutes on foot), you will reach the charmingly small bay of San Augustinillo, where the calm surf provides great swimming, body boarding and mediocre snorkeling.

Continue 2.5 miles east (ten minutes in collectivo) to reach Zipolite, an expansive stretch of white sand with a rough surf and free spirit. A best bet for the budget traveler, camping is a great option here. Try Luna Azul if you have your own tent (M$100 per week) or ask around at the plethora of accommodations that stretch along the beachfront.

Zipolite is known for its nude beach, happening nightlife and relaxed pace. However, beware the dangerous rip tides, which only experienced surfers should attempt, as well as some incidents of theft and assault. For a longer stay for less, miles of perfect coastline and an ‘anything-goes’ attitude, Zipolite is the destination.

Whether you are called to the beach for surfing, sunbathing, snorkeling, seafood, nightlife, yoga or any other beach-bound activity, the Oaxacan coast will not disappoint.

Judith Frey shared her photo.

Fibber McGee & Molly McGee Plays Cupid 1952, Fathers Knows Best Orchid Valentine's Day 1951

Diving Oceanomare Oaxaca, Mexico

Oaxaca's Refined Riviera - Puerto Escondido, Mexico - Oaxaca's Refined Riviera - MensJournal.com mensjournal.com Puerto Escondido, Mexico. Sometimes the name of a place perfectly sums up its appeal. That's how it is with Puerto Escondido, the "Hidden Port."

Oaxaca's Refined Riviera - Puerto Escondido, Mexico - Oaxaca's Refined Riviera - MensJournal.com mensjournal.com Puerto Escondido, Mexico. Sometimes the name of a place perfectly sums up its appeal. That's how it is with Puerto Escondido, the "Hidden Port."

EXPERT ADVICE

The World's 8 Best Beaches for Adventure

Puerto Escondido, Mexico

7 of 8

  

Courtesy Designhotels.com

Puerto Escondido, Mexico

Courtesy Designhotels.com

Sometimes the appeal of a place is right there in its name. That's how it is with Puerto Escondido: the "Hidden Port." Clinging to the tip of Mexico's elbow, on the country's sparsely populated southern coast (a.k.a. "the Oaxacan Riviera"), halfway between Acapulco and Guatemala, this formerly sleepy fishing village is slowly undergoing a tourist boom – but one that has avoided the crush and commercialization of its more famous neighbors. It's growing, but it doesn't feel overgrown.

I arrived near the end of November, the tail of the rainy season, on a prop plane from Mexico City. My hotel, the Villas Carrizalillo, was near an area called the Rinconada, a 10-minute walk from town. A grand old boulevard with a small art gallery and several amazing restaurants, the Rinconada used to be the town's airstrip, until the town outgrew it; still, these days, the airport is only five minutes away. The hotel, really a collection of 12 villas, is situated on a bluff overlooking the cobalt-colored thumb of Carrizalillo Bay. The American co-owner, New York-via-Georgia transplant Amy Hardy, found the place 10 years ago, abandoned by its previous owners, and she and her partner did a full renovation. It now boasts a nouveau-Mexican restaurant (sweet mango mahimahi ceviche, pineapple guacamole) and a private staircase down to the little-used beach cove, where you can surf a gentle beginner-friendly break, standup paddle with sea turtles and manta rays, or enjoy shrimp quesadillas or a cold michelada (beer with lime and spice) at one of a handful of beach palapas (thatched-roof gazebos).

Ricardo Maya, the bartender at the Villas Carrizalillo, grew up in Mexico City. The first time he came to the Oaxacan coast was in the early 1980s, when he visited nearby Zipolite. "I don't even remember Puerto then," he said. When he came back in 2004 to teach Spanish to travelers, he could hardly believe the growth. Still, he said, the place suited him: He'd lived near Aspen for several years, and – in both climate and down-to-earth demeanor – Puerto Escondido was pretty much the opposite. Then he poured us both another shot of Fidencio – Amy Hardy's line of organic mezcal, hand-distilled in Oaxaca by a fourth-generation mescalero who worked the same ground as his great-grandfather. (My favorite was the Fidencio Tobalá, distilled from 100 percent wild agave harvested during the new moon.)

There's a lot of this going around P.E. these days: a sort of Puerto Vallarta meets Portland vibe, fueled by natives and expats alike. There's the French woman from Montréal who opened a patisserie inside the mercado and the Italian who rents scooters out of his gelato shop. In Mazunte, an eco-tourist town (it's home to the National Mexican Turtle Center) a little way down the coast, a locally owned cooperative manufactures organic cosmetics, and closer to home, just off the main backpacker's drag, a young couple named Sabrina and Graco (she's Austrian; he's from Veracruz) gutted an old storefront and built out their own wood-walled restaurant called La Olita ("the little wave"), which serves the best fish tacos east of Ensenada.

You'll find a similar up-and-coming micro-scene in Tulum, on the Yucatán Peninsula, but Puerto has something the Caribbean side doesn't: killer waves. Tourism-wise, surfing is Puerto's bread and butter, and quality breaks can be found for miles in both directions: Chacagua and Puerto Ángel. The marquee spot, though, is Playa Zicatela, a thrilling three-kilometer beach break right in the middle of town, which draws so many top surfers from all over the world that it's earned the nickname "the Mexican Pipeline." The pummeling current isn't for novices, though; people have drowned, so if you're just getting comfortable on a board, proceed with caution.

One afternoon I drove out to the Laguna de Manialtepec, an unofficial nature preserve about 30 minutes outside town, where, for 75 pesos (about $5.75) an hour, the ladies at Restaurante la Flor del Pacífico rented me a kayak and paddle and even threw in a cold Bohemia. As the bottle of beer sweated in the cup holder, I spent two blissful hours kayaking around the lagoon – which I had entirely to myself, if you don't count the herons and hummingbirds and majestic black hawks, as well as the biggest flock of cormorants I've ever seen. Then the gigantic red sun (it somehow looked bigger than it does at home) dipped below the tree line, and it was just me and the water and the stars.

Back at the dock, I met up with Lalo Escamilla, an avian biologist who studies birds for a nearby university. When he's not counting egrets or tracking spoonbills, Lalo leads eco-tours on his 12-person boat. I was in luck, he told me: "The phosphorescence is here!" Three or four times a year, certain spots in the lagoon are visited by phosphorescent microorganisms, which glow silver and shimmery in the inky black water, transforming an already gorgeous nighttime swim into something truly otherworldly. It was only after we'd been backstroking around for about 10 minutes that a young boy on the tour who was visiting from Mexico City, asked if there were any crocodiles in the lagoon. "Yes," Lalo said with a grin, preparing a joke he'd clearly made before, "but don't worry." He pointed to the bioluminescent trails we all left in our wake. "You can," he said, winking, "see them coming."

Not far past Manialtepec, at the end of a bumpy road down a rugged stretch of coastline, is a possible glimpse of Puerto's future: the Hotel Escondido, which opened before Christmas. Operated by Grupo Habita, a boutique chain based in Mexico City (imagine a Mexican version of the Standard or the Ace), it comprises 16 individual thatched-roof bungalows, each of which has beachfront views and its own private pool. A spa and sauna and an underground music lounge (literally, it's underground) add to the feeling of rustic luxury; other high-design copycats might not be far behind.

But the surest sign that change is on the way to Puerto is a brand-new highway, 125 kilometers, cutting through vast fields of almonds, papayas, and mangoes, between Oaxaca City and the coast. When I was there, orange-vested construction crews were hard at work, on pace to finish the project by early 2015. When it opens, the highway will cut the travel time from Mexico City in half and make it possible to drive from Oaxaca City to the coast in a little more than two hours – down from six. Some of the expats I spoke with were a little worried that the road might destroy the town's quiet charm. But the locals were pretty excited. "Claro!" a taxi driver named Jorge – who was born in Puerto – told me. It would bring more visitors, more money, cheaper goods to buy. What's not to love? And if it meant slightly bigger crowds waiting for waves every weekend, or a few more overpriced hotels, well, no importa. Change was inevitable, after all. Puerto could take it.

Getting there: Fly to Mexico City; connect to Puerto Escondido.

By Josh Eells

Read more: http://www.mensjournal.com/expert-advice/the-worlds-8-best-beaches-for-adventure-20140210/puerto-escondido-mexico#ixzz2t6BvaAAq

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