rocketdog 0 #1 October 18, 2005 i'm already looking @ flights to Ixtapa, Mexico for Skydive Chicago's boogie.... but before i overwhelmed staff w/ all my Q's i was hoping for some help: * if you've been, where did you stay? is roughing it an option? * was there flotation gear available to rent/how much? * how were the spots & landing area (i'll be 3 months uncurrent when i go) * overall, whad ya think? THANKS! ~hollywood see the world! http://gorocketdog.blogspot.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tigra 0 #2 October 19, 2005 Spots were great. Really really great! Never a problem! Landing area, also not a problem if you don't mind landing a little cross wind since we were generally always landing along the shore line, north or south. You're sure to stay dry that way and there's a long stretch of beach to land on! Just watch out for parasailers and men in thongs! Get your own flotation gear- you have plenty of time and they didn't have many spares last year. Unless you are D licensed, you'll need it. I made my own travel arrangements* and stayed in Zihua for less than half the cost of their travel package, and we weren't exactly roughing it. There really is a wide range of accommodations available! *actually, I did book our flight (a direct Apple charter) through SDC's travel agent, and she did an excellent job. The boogie was great, and if you go, you will have a great time! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
napaguy99 0 #3 October 19, 2005 QuoteGet your own flotation gear- you have plenty of time and they didn't have many spares last year. Unless you are D licensed, you'll need it. I don't understand why anyone would NOT wear floatation gear, D licensed or not. As a pilot I have undergone substantial water training and let me tell you, it's pretty tough to stay afloat with all that shit on. Hollywood, I'm sure you're already getting float gear one way or the other. For anyone else going to the boogie who was possibly thinking, "I don't have to have it so I'm not gonna waste my money", I urge you to think again! It's a good investment if you ever end up doing beach jumps again. Beach jumps are a blast, too! Have a good time there and drink a few margaritas for me! "Let the misinterpretation and attacks begin." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tigra 0 #4 October 19, 2005 Oh, pretty much everyone had it and wore it while I was there. Its just that technically it wasn't required if you had your D license. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Opie 0 #5 October 19, 2005 Quote***.......I don't understand why anyone would NOT wear floatation gear, D licensed or not........ Ego and yes spots were great, landing area is great, stayed at the Raddison with most of the group but hardly spent any time there, being close to Carlos & Charlies is nice so you don't have far to travel with your gear everyday. Generally a great time and great weather! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
freeflir29 0 #6 October 19, 2005 Nice to see you still around sweetheart! Let me just add that I am VERY jealous. I wish I was headed to Mexico for festivities. Oh well...........I'll just have to settle for Florida in Dec. If you are going to be in the Neighborhood let me know. Don't sneak up on me like you and Vern did last time at Z Hills! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rocketdog 0 #7 October 19, 2005 ....so is it typically cheaper to stay in a neighboring town then? Tigra, how did you get ahold of the travel agent who hooked you up w/ the direct charter? THANKS SO MUCH for all the info everyone.... yes, i will def invest in floatation gear ~hollywood see the world! http://gorocketdog.blogspot.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tigra 0 #8 October 19, 2005 The travel agent's number is listed on SDC's website, she's the one putting together packages for next year's trip. We flew out of OHare on US Air, but it was an Apple Vacations charter which we had to book through a travel agent, so we used her. Did I mention she did a great job? I don't know what the price started at, but by the time we booked it, it was well within our budget! And with all the skydivers on the flight (all of whom made it to the airport long before we did) getting our rigs through security was no problem! Where are you coming from? Out of Chicago, we have a few options. ATA had direct flights, also Apple Vacation (US Air) and FunJet (Sun Country), and in addition to that, Mexicana connecting in Mexico City (not that hard) and I think Continental connecting in Houston, direct from there. You can check Apple's and FunJet's sites, and also look on Orbitz- be flexible with your dates and you'll get more options! About the area: Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo are essentially "sister" cities, about 15 minutes apart. The airport is actually in Zihuatanejo. Z's a functioning fishing village with its own tourist attractions including beautiful beaches and great restaurants; Ixtapa is ALL about tourism with the high rise resort hotels along the strip. Two totally different vacation experiences, but if you are smart, you'll find a way to enjoy the best of both. It wasn't my first trip to the area, and I already knew I'd rather stay in Zihua, plus it was easier to find a place there that was within our budget. (And we really were NOT roughing it! We had an airconditioned room with cable TV and a kithenette, plus a terrace with a mango tree, so we could have fresh mango for breakfast!) Some people were happier with the whole crowd at the Raddisson and the short walk to Carlos and Charlies, but we loved our little place, wandering around Z after dinner in the evenings, and picking up fresh bread (pan dulce) and sipping coffee on our terrace in the morning! Hope that's helpful. There are at least 2 websites I can think of off the top of my head where you can get info on different hotels and other things to do in the area. Zihua.net and Zihuatanejo.net. Both have a message board plus links to different hotels. (There are even a couple of "budget" hotels in Ixtapa!) I booked our place last year based on a recommendation from one of those boards, and I was happy with the results. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rocketdog 0 #9 October 19, 2005 THANKS SO MUCH! that was sooo helpful! i was checking out the pics online ..... looks fantastic. will you be going to the boogie in '06? thanks again! ~hollywood see the world! http://gorocketdog.blogspot.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tigra 0 #10 October 19, 2005 I'm undecided. We went last year because we got a great deal on the flight and I knew I could find an inexpensive place to stay. But the trip was sort of last minute- I booked the flight about 3 weeks in advance. If we do it next year, it will most likely be last minute again. We did have a great time and I know my guy wants to go back! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
