| Mexico
Posted: 5/10/2008 4:41:09 PM | I'm thinking of booking a holiday for myself and my two children to Mexico. We all like to visit places of historical and geographical interest and chill out on a nice beach........can anyone kindly recommend a decent place to stay?
Many thanks | |
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| Mexico
Posted: 5/12/2008 12:59:36 PM | Where did you plan on visiting? East Coast west Coast?
East coast you have Cancun, Cozumel and further south you have the Mayan Ruins area.
Cancun being the most poplar and the most congested
Cozumel cozy and confortable
I prefer a wee bit longer trip and go to the west Coast
Cabo San Lucas, Ixtapa Area I hear great things about those areas.
Use trip advisor to look up an area | |
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| Mexico
Posted: 5/13/2008 4:57:38 AM | | Depending on your children's ages, you may or may not want to visit ruins. Many of the resorts in Mexico are more like armed enclaves where you are held captive in an area where they ensure your safety and security (and ensure that local vendors don't bother you). Problem is that you don't get much of the flavor of the country that way. Going out and meeting real Mexican people can be a deeply rewarding experience, especially if you speak the language, but as a single mom with two children, you may have to consider their security. Parts of Mexico (including several parts where there are ruins) are a bit wild. Have you ever considered a cruise? I went on a cruise from San Diego that hit Puerto Violarta, Cabo San Lucas, and Mazatlan (one a day) and there seemed a lot to do (no ruins though). Just a thought. | |
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| Mexico
Posted: 5/18/2008 5:49:08 AM | Thanks for your kind replies, I've just booked the holiday. The destination is Playacar (Caribbean coast), which according to the brochure details has more culture than Cancun, and is not too far from the ruins at Chichen Itza. I didn't realise there were problems with safety and security.......my son is 17 years of age and my daughter is 12years of age.
My daughter would like to swim with dolphins and I believe there is that facility around the area we will be staying.
I take it it isn't safe to venture out at night to other resorts? | |
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| Mexico
Posted: 5/19/2008 12:13:44 PM | Playacar is exactly where I would have suggested you go so you made a good choice. Not sure what resort you chose but a large majority of them are all-inclusive so you can't really "venture out to the other resorts" anyway. There are only a few in easy walk of town so a cab is a better way to get around. Know where you are going and negotiate the rate BEFORE you get in the cab. A lot of rates are set but make sure you verify that with the driver (the meters have been known to be "not working" and you end up paying more than you thought.) Playa Del Carmen has a good dolphin program but keep in mind, they're expensive. Also make sure that you actually get to swim with them if that's what you want. Some programs (most of the more affordable ones), only have you walk into the water and the dolphins swim to you. There is an age limit as well. I know my 9 year old was too young for the swim but can't remember what the minimum age was.
The Tulum ruins are the only ones on the coast (and they're the closest anyway) so I'd recommend them because they're the prettiest. You can even go down to the beach there if you want. You'll also really like Xel-Ha (pronounce it like SHELL - HA with accent on first syllable) and Xcaret (pronounce it like ESH-CAR-ETT with emphasis on last syllable). Xcaret also has a dolphin experience. If you're tempted to get into Cancun or Cozumel for the day just to see it, you'll get a lot more in Cozumel. It's easy to get to from Playa Del Carmen (just hop on the ferry) and it's really more interesting then Cancun. | |
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| Mexico
Posted: 5/20/2008 1:42:44 PM | Thanks OneBeachlvr,
Your information will be very useful. I have read there is a dolphin centre on Cuzumel, and the island looks worth a visit. Do you know whether the dolphin centre allows you to swim rather than walk in?
I will bear in mind the problems that may occur with regards to not having a 'proper' swim with the dophins. Someone told me that the coastline is subject to coastal errosion and consequently transport is arranged to other resorts............? | |
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| Mexico
Posted: 5/20/2008 4:30:52 PM | | Haven't done the one in Cozumel but I'm thinking it's at Chankanaab Park which is also another nice place to go. I can tell you that the walk-in things are usually called "encounters" and the swims are actually called "swim". Expect it to cost, probably, about $100.00. | |
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| Mexico
Posted: 5/21/2008 12:14:18 AM | | i highly enjoyed staying in tulum the last time i was in mexico | |
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| Mexico
Posted: 5/23/2008 12:14:27 PM | | ahhhh...Mexico , I loved it there , hope you and your family have a great time. I have been there 4 times and finally ended up getting my own apartment in Zihuatanejo about 10 minutes from Ixtapa , amazing culture and food. The locals were very friendly and humble people, who would do anything to make the Mexician experience a good one. | |
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| Mexico
Posted: 5/25/2008 7:40:59 PM | | Been to Puerto Vallarta twice and to the Bahia Principe resort in Tulum/Akumal (Mayan Riviera) for a 2 week vacation. I prefered the East coast since you have the beautiful white beach sand, the clear water, tropical fish and, of course, all the ruins. Nearby the Mayan Riviera are Playa Del Carmen and Cozumel (by ferry); the ruins of Chichen Itza and Tulum; and the nightlife of Cancun. Puerto Vallarta is a less expensive party destination. I'm actually in the process of booking a vacation to Mexico and plan to travel within the next two weeks. Since this is a R&R vacation, I'd probably go to the Mayan Riviera again because of the beaches. As for Playa, I'm not too sure how much you'll enjoy it. There is a long strip of shops and the vendors are more aggressive than a swarm of angry killer bees. When night fell, I felt a bit uncomfortable walking the streets as you get the feeling that you are being stalked by solitary predators and those that hunt in packs. I almost turned postal on a few of those time share guys. Mind you, if you look very carefully, there is a bar there that plays NHL games! | |
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| Mexico
Posted: 5/26/2008 7:37:18 PM | | I love Mexico! I've been to Cabo San Lucas and I absolutely loved it! People there are so friendly and the beaches are amazing! Have fun!!! | |
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