Vacation Suggestions for Mexico

[Starbuck1975]

Was hoping some of you might have suggestions for a suitable beach resort in Mexico. I am looking for something that isn't too touristy, but still has the amenities of a well developed resort community...also, one that has suitable access to transportation to and from the resort areas, and an accessible airport.

Similarly, we want to explore some of the Mayan ruin locations, so a resort that offers bus tour packages would be great.

I know Cancun is the typical resort destination, but was willing to entertain other options.

Also, because we live on the west coast, a Pacific facing resort community would be beneficial...however, not sure if any Mayan ruins are accessible to the Pacific resorts.

On the same note, specific resorts that people might recommend would be helpful.

Thank you in advance.

 

[Spoooon]

There's always Cabo or Acapulco. I went to Acapulco a while back. Granted, it was a spring break thing. Not the sort of thing you'd want to do with the wife.

 

[gwrober]

Definitely talk to a travel agent. Maybe even look for an all-inclusive package, they often include tours.

 

[purbeast0]

Hit up Playa Del Carmen.

 

[Starbuck1975]

We definitely want to see ancient ruins, and from the maps I have seen, it looks like there are a lot concentrated on the Yucatan Peninsula.

For those that have gone to see ruins, would you recommend bus tours or renting a car and going exploring...I have heard horror stories about Mexico, but my wife and I have also had bad experiences with tours...and kind of like to explore on our own.

For those who have done it, do the tours give you adequate time at each site, or should we go the adventurous route?

 

[Dr. Detroit]

Playa del Carmen.

Secluded little getaway but close to the ruins and on the ocean.

 

[FoBoT]

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_970.html#security

 

[MikeyIs4Dcats]

Playa Del Carmen is fabulous.

Cancun sucks...it's like Vegas in Mexico without casinos.

check our www.traveloni.com. She's a Funjet reseller, so you can use Funjet coupons and then she gives you back 5% as a rebate after your trip. We used her website to book out trip to PDC at the Barcelo Maya Tropical. It was awesome!

 

[jjones]

I'd recommend Playacar. It's got the major resorts and a small tourist corridor and is right next to Playa del Carmen which has all the bars and places to go. If you want to get away and just plug into a good resort with good beaches, check out the resorts in Xpu Ha like one of the Barcelo resorts.

 

[txrandom]

Been to Playa del Carmen and it was a fun place even without going to ruins. I like history and all that, but my parents didn't want to go.

 

[Starbuck1975]

What about the west coast resort towns: Acapulco, Cabo, Puerto Vallarta or Mazatlan...I went to a travel agent after work, and he recommended the "Dreams" chain of resorts as they are all inclusive.

Anyone been to the Dreams resort at Cabo or Puerto Vallarta? Worth checking out?

 

[HeroOfPellinor]

Anaheim

 

[trmiv]

Go further down the coast from Cancun. My wife and I stayed at the El Dorado Seaside Suites last year. It's an adults only resort in Kantenah which is about 45 minutes south of Cancun. It was great, I'd love to go back.

 

[Fraggable]

Don't know if it helps but don't go to Cozumel. It's a annoying tourist trap and the locals are not helpful or friendly and the police are highly corrupt (I should know, I bribed one!).

Costa Maya was nice, it would be an ok destination I guess. If I was flying somewhere in the Caribbean I think I'd head to Georgetown, Grand Cayman. I really just didn't like Mexico. Never felt comfortable and safe.

 

[spidey07]

Originally posted by: Fraggable
Don't know if it helps but don't go to Cozumel. It's a annoying tourist trap and the locals are not helpful or friendly and the police are highly corrupt (I should know, I bribed one!).

Costa Maya was nice, it would be an ok destination I guess. If I was flying somewhere in the Caribbean I think I'd head to Georgetown, Grand Cayman. I really just didn't like Mexico. Never felt comfortable and safe.

However, DO GO if you scuba dive and make a dive trip out of it. It's a divers paradise. Amazing.

I like anywhere south of Cancun (again, don't go there) in the mayan rivera. I think there was an Occidental that I stayed at. Been a while. There are very secluded resorts there where you can get a little hut and be served as well. Bring plenty of bug repellant.

 

[Fraggable]

Originally posted by: spidey07

Originally posted by: Fraggable
Don't know if it helps but don't go to Cozumel. It's a annoying tourist trap and the locals are not helpful or friendly and the police are highly corrupt (I should know, I bribed one!).

Costa Maya was nice, it would be an ok destination I guess. If I was flying somewhere in the Caribbean I think I'd head to Georgetown, Grand Cayman. I really just didn't like Mexico. Never felt comfortable and safe.

However, DO GO if you scuba dive and make a dive trip out of it. It's a divers paradise. Amazing.

I like anywhere south of Cancun (again, don't go there) in the mayan rivera. I think there was an Occidental that I stayed at. Been a while. There are very secluded resorts there where you can get a little hut and be served as well. Bring plenty of bug repellant.

I did a little snorkeling at Georgetown and planned to do a lot more at Cozumel but the friend I was woth managed to destroy his toe with the rental scooter and we kind of had to get him back to the cruise ship before he bled to death.

Someday I'm going to get scuba certified and back to Grand Cayman and spend a lot of time in the water. I know the reefs are insane but didn't get to see them.

 

[50cent1228]

want tropical...go to someplace in the Caribbean

 

[spidey07]

Originally posted by: Fraggable
I did a little snorkeling at Georgetown and planned to do a lot more at Cozumel but the friend I was woth managed to destroy his toe with the rental scooter and we kind of had to get him back to the cruise ship before he bled to death.

Someday I'm going to get scuba certified and back to Grand Cayman and spend a lot of time in the water. I know the reefs are insane but didn't get to see them.

LOL! Two tourists died on a rental scooter when we were there. They drive insane.

That's why you had a bad experience, you got dropped off on a cruise ship and didn't experience what is out there. Take the class and get certified in your home town. Cayman's are awesome as well. I'd put cozumel/cayman side by side for diving.

 

[Fraggable]

Originally posted by: spidey07

Originally posted by: Fraggable
I did a little snorkeling at Georgetown and planned to do a lot more at Cozumel but the friend I was woth managed to destroy his toe with the rental scooter and we kind of had to get him back to the cruise ship before he bled to death.

Someday I'm going to get scuba certified and back to Grand Cayman and spend a lot of time in the water. I know the reefs are insane but didn't get to see them.

LOL! Two tourists died on a rental scooter when we were there. They drive insane.

That's why you had a bad experience, you got dropped off on a cruise ship and didn't experience what is out there. Take the class and get certified in your home town. Cayman's are awesome as well. I'd put cozumel/cayman side by side for diving.

He dropped the scooter's kickstand on his toe while wearing sandals. Our scooters went up to 70MPH :Q way too fast for me, I think I hit 50 once but that freaked me out and the roads were pretty bad. Potholes a foot deep were prohibitive to speed.

It was a great way to find out what the caribbean's like, I'd never been out of the country before and haven't spent much time in Florida. I loved the cruise and now I know what to expect when I go back.

There's a scuba place up the street from me, I'll be going soon when I find out how much it costs and if I'll have a job in July. Already saving to go back to the Caymans.

 

[mrrman]

check out bookit.com for great deals in Mexico...I am heading to an all inclusive in Cancun on July 9th

 

[Starbuck1975]

Any suggestions or comments on the Pacific side of Mexico...Cabo and others?

 

[Old Hippie]

Originally posted by: Fmr12B
Playa del Carmen.

Secluded little getaway but close to the ruins and on the ocean.

Been there 3 times. Great Place! There's a guy at their little airport that does ultralight rides. :thumbsup:

 

[MikeyIs4Dcats]

Originally posted by: spidey07

Originally posted by: Fraggable
Don't know if it helps but don't go to Cozumel. It's a annoying tourist trap and the locals are not helpful or friendly and the police are highly corrupt (I should know, I bribed one!).

Costa Maya was nice, it would be an ok destination I guess. If I was flying somewhere in the Caribbean I think I'd head to Georgetown, Grand Cayman. I really just didn't like Mexico. Never felt comfortable and safe.

However, DO GO if you scuba dive and make a dive trip out of it. It's a divers paradise. Amazing.

I like anywhere south of Cancun (again, don't go there) in the mayan rivera. I think there was an Occidental that I stayed at. Been a while. There are very secluded resorts there where you can get a little hut and be served as well. Bring plenty of bug repellant.

since the hurricanes of 2006, Cozumel has been badly damaged. The water is murky and much of the sea life was washed away. It will be many years before it returns to it's glory, if ever.

 

[MikeyIs4Dcats]

and most resorts in Mexico offer all-inclusive deals, so don't let anyone convince you that it's rare.

 

[spidey07]

Originally posted by: MikeyIs4Dcats
since the hurricanes of 2006, Cozumel has been badly damaged. The water is murky and much of the sea life was washed away. It will be many years before it returns to it's glory, if ever.

That sucks. Forgot about that. Thanks for the reminder.