After nearly every trip to Mexico, I share notes about the travel experience. It’s never the same trip twice going to and from Mazatlán — there are always a few wrinkles and snafus. I feel like by writing it down I can help your next trip go a little bit more smoothly.

Last year we decided to reenter the world of premium credit cards, and we felt that the American Express Platinum offered the best benefits for our lifestyle. We didn’t take the decision to apply lightly because the annual fee is steep -- $695 for the primary user, plus $175 for each additional card. For us, that meant we had to at least exceed $870 in “value” to break even.

We’ve fished in Mexico approximately 20 times, and while it may be the same basic trip, the travel details always change just enough to keep us on our toes. We try to anticipate any challenges and then stay flexible and in good spirits when hiccups occur. These travel notes may not be our sexiest or most compelling material, but our hope is that by reporting these little details we can save you some aggravation in the future.