The resort city of Puerto Vallarta spreads out along the sunny shores of Banderas Bay on Mexico's Pacific coast. The promise of warm days in the middle of winter is an irresistible attraction for sun worshippers and other sensible sorts who dread the long, cold, dark days in northern latitudes. Nothing looks more appealing when the snow flies outside than a villa Puerto Vallarta. Thus, the journey begins.

Protection, Protection
Your first instinct on arriving in Mexico will probably have something to do with sand and surf, perhaps a 'Wow!' followed by, 'I gotta get to the beach.' A word of advice ' take a few moments to check into your villa Puerto Vallarta and unpack your bag(s), because you're going to want a few things (swimming suit, beach towels, 'I'm with Slim' T-shirt). And before you even start to think about slipping into your beach togs, you need to decide what kind of protection you're going to use. That's right ' the sun is fierce and you're crazy to go out without sun block.

Some folks know all about sun protection because they have been fighting sun burn all their lives (red hair, blue eyes, pink skin ' you know who you are). Others, who have historically had a more friendly relationship with old Sol, may not be so quick to step up on the sunscreen bandwagon. Bad idea. Nothing can shut down holiday fun more quickly than a really bad sunburn, and it's easier than you might think to burn on the beach at Banderas Bay.

Sun Block Works
Before your imagination gets the best of you, and you paint an imaginary picture of yourself covered in thick white goo, step into the modern world of sun care products. You don't even need to get your hands messy when you apply, because many sun blocking products come as sprays and roll-on gels. And they're completely invisible. So don't take chances with your skin or your vacation. Here are a couple of tips from experienced users:

• Select a product that provides both UVA and UVB protection (read the label).


• Use a sun block with an SPF 15 or higher; any lower SPF (sun protection factor) and you might as well save your money.


• Apply sun block generously and let it soak in for at least 30 minutes.


• Apply it evenly, unless you actually want the sun to turn your skin into a palette of swirls and hand prints.