dreams

When a country's government actually warns foreigners against traveling there, you know things have been getting bad. Recent news covering Mexico has been less than flattering when it comes to tourist safety. Either the drugs wars or corruption is out of control, but there are certainly places in Mexico you don't want to be. On the other hand, the country has been long known for its hot vacation and resort spots. A comfortable jaunt for most American, you can really get away in Mexico without going all that far – especially from American conveniences. While traveling to Mexico right now might be a bit of a gamble, the downturn in the tourist market has allowed for some incredible deals for those interested in a great getaway for cheap.

Aiming at the traditional (and far from the dangerous border) vacation spot of Puerto Vallarta, I stay at the Dreams Villamagna All-Inclusive resort in Nuevo Vallarta – a newer area just north of Puerto Vallarta. The resort is part of the Dreams family of properties that even has another location in Puerto Vallarta. Right on the beach, the comfortable property has picturesque views, a smooth stretch of beach, and enough things to do when you aren't resting under a palapa drinking a fruit filled mixed drink.

A high-end luxury locale Dreams Villamagna is not. Though for young couples and working class families the resort has a lot to offer and certainly will be luxurious in their book. Those who frequent five star luxury resorts around the world will find the place a bit too much on the family-friendly side, without some of the higher-end amenities they might expect, as well as a lack of exclusivity common in shelled-off luxe resort locations.

When you think of a picnic you probably picture simple food like peanut butter and jelly sandwiches with a basket of fruit in a park somewhere, but that's not what comes to mind when you ask some of the world's top chefs. From locations as normal as a park in Brooklyn to as fun as a hot air balloon miles above the world, and food tastes covering everything from fried chicken to oysters, you can find it all on this list of top chef's dream picnics.

What's your dream picnic? Reading this list I don't think I could choose!