Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - Michelle Papineau-Stoen, a 'Snow Bird' from Vancouver, tells us the five things she loves most about spending her winters 'flying solo' in Puerto Vallarta.

1. Undoubtedly of course the great beaches, and consistent wonderful SUNSHINE! When making plans, one rarely hears the words "pending on the weather."

2. The variety of interesting places to go, and things to do, such as the variety of fabulous restaurants, water/land sports, live theater, art lessons, etc., all at a fraction of the cost back home! Not to mention all the free things one can take in such as art galleries, outdoor concerts and dances, exotic nature hikes, and the list goes boundlessly on! And, if you want a way to "give back" into the community, volunteering is always a wonderful and fulfilling option. It's just impossible to be bored in this eclectic city!

3. Undoubtedly the most killer sunsets in the whole world! Especially from my balcony over hanging a cliff sipping on a margarita! Ahh...

4. Here, in Puerto Vallarta, it doesn't matter if you're "flying solo" like me, as everyone is very inclusive, and accepting. Its a great feeling!

Which leads me to my last point.

5. This is a VERY easy place to meet people, make new friends, and even start a new life if that's your goal. Expats and snow birds have realized that they're not here (on earth) for a long time, but for a good time, so they drop the pretenses and formalities all together. It's a lot like little kids making friends in a park who meet for the first time! "Hi, what's your name, wanna be friends"? "Okay"! And off they go! It's that simple, and so refreshing!

Rarely a day goes by when I don't run into people I know just walking down the street or eating at a sidewalk cafe. Shop owners, restaurateurs, and street vendors get to know you and greet you with a big "Hola!" and a smile. In fact, that's what I love most about being here. It's "community living" at its best!