Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - There are few cities with as rich a culture as Puerto Vallarta. Elements of Spanish, North American and traditional Mexican influences combine to make this city one of the most colorful and vibrant additions to any travel itinerary.

Between breathtaking beaches and jungles filled with parrots and howler monkeys to the bustling nightclubs and shopping malls, Puerto Vallarta is extremely diverse. Mexican food, local transportation and many accommodation are inexpensive, which means there are plenty of ways to keep costs down when vacationing here.

• Take Advantage of Discounts - Some are for seniors, young children, students, soldiers, government workers and members of organizations such as AAA and AARP.

• Pack Light - If you can, travel with one piece of luggage. Rule out airlines that charge for checked baggage.

• Travel Early - Flights between 6 am and 9 am are more likely to arrive on time. Take direct flights and consider less crowded airports.

• The Best Time to Travel - Plan ahead and allow flexibility within your intended travel dates. Travel in low season or avoid events that raise the cost in the destination; sometimes even a difference of only a few days change the final cost of your trip. Be cautious when deciding which day you travel and take into account that traveling midweek is usually cheaper. Booking early departures ensures better prices and more variety to choose from.

• Modify your Itinerary - Examine the different price ranges in flights leaving early and/or late. Opt for traveling on a Tuesday instead of Sunday (which tends to be more expensive.)

• Travel in Groups - Traveling in a group is ideal in order to get better prices, dividing expenses, or having access to discounts or special tours. If traveling alone, you can always join other travelers with similar plans.

• Visit Websites - For flights, search online portals like Expedia, Orbitz or Travelocity; or airlines' websites. Purchasing directly from the airline will eliminate transaction fees all together. For tours, be sure to do your research before you buy your tickets. Many Puerto Vallarta tour companies offer online discounts.

• Visit museums and attractions on days or times when admission is free; it would be worth knowing if during your stay you can take advantage of any of these opportunities. Some sites have discounts or free admission for children under a certain age.

• Insurance - Find out if the car you rent can be covered by your own insurance or credit card. Don’t be pressured to buy collision, liability or total loss insurance. But never assume that your insurance will automatically cover you when in another country; alway check first.

• Avoid Calling from the Cruise Ship or Hotel - The cost of telephone calls, fax or email can be overkill. It’s best to use local calling cards.

• Money Exchange - Consider changing your dollars for the local currency. Keep up to date with the local and lead exchange rates.

• Pay by Credit Card - The law allows you to dispute any discrepancy and limits your liability to $50 for unauthorized charges to a credit card. Debit cards, personal checks and cash offer no such protection.

• TAXBACK Program - TAXBACK is the fast and easy way to get your tax back when you shop in Mexico. The 15% IVA or Value Added Tax (VAT) is returned to foreign tourists who can prove they have spent a minimum of $1200 Pesos (approximately $100 US Dollars) on Mexican territory and who are returning home by sea or air. There is a Yvesam Retornos Mundiales tax refund booth on the second floor of Puerto Vallarta's Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport, where you can initiate the refund process. For more information on the TAXBACK Program, visit yvesam.com.mx.