Vacation in Mexico?

[wishbone]

My wife and I are planning a trip to Mexico sometime in March-May next year. She wants to some Mayan ruins, authentic food and warm sandy beaches. We planning on spending less than $4000 total and are debating whether to go for 1-2 weeks and whether to take our 5-yr old son with us.

Any help with the below questions is appreciated, thanks in advance.

1. Any recommendations for locations? We have looked at the Yucatan peninsula in general and she may have settled on Merida (?) but is there anywhere we are overlooking?

2. Do Americans get abducted in Mexico, is it more prevalent in some areas. Does it happen only when you are drunk and/or stupid?

3. Any other helpful tips? Should I plan on getting sick?

[stevew]

Definitely wouldn't take the kid if you want to have some grown up fun. Even if it means you have to take a shorter trip.

[JPhillips]

One of the most beautiful beaches I've ever been to was Playa del Carmen. There are also trips from there to see the ruins at Tulum which was also great. I think we also left from there for our trip to Xel-ha, a water/snorking park that would be good for the whole family.

http://www.xel-ha.com/

Its been a while since I was at Playa, but it was a lot of fun. We did a cruise that ended up docked there for three days due to hurricanes elsewhere. There did seem to be some resorts, but I don't know anything about accomodations.

[dcg12]

I second the vote for Playa. I have been there 4 times in the last 7 years. If you are not familiar with Playa it is about a half hour south of Cancun. Merida is more towards the middle of the peninsula and while you would get more of the culture of Mexico it is not a big tourist area so you would be more secluded. Also no beach.

From Playa you can go to Tulum or Chichen Itza to see ruins. Tulum is a half day trip and a smaller site while Chitchen Itza is much larger and a full day trip. Besides Xel-Ha another great place to see is Xcaret which is a nature park. Google any of the names and you will find their web sites for more info.

If you want to spend less than 4k you probably will only go for a week. Most all inclusives will run close to $3000 with airfare. You might be able to do it cheaper staying at a hotel in town but then you have to pay for meals as well. I have always stayed at the Iberostar resorts. You can check them out at www.iberostar.com

The Yucatan is fairly safe for Americans, if you don't act stupid, because they know that tourist are their livelihood.

Check out www.playa.info for more information and to check out their webcam. It is run by an American who lives in Playa with his Swedish wife.


Be glad to answer any questions you have also.

[JeeberD]

I've been to the Acapulco Princess several times (and will be going again in early January) and have always loved it. You can't go wrong with a Fairmont resort...

[wishbone]

Thanks for the responses guys. Xel-ha looks pretty cool, Fairmont looks a bit out of our range, but very nice.

[gottimd]

If it just the two of you

www.lasventanas.com

My wife and I went there for our honeymoon.

[Mustang]

In Playa.. you can take a quick Ferry across to Cozumel too if you desire.

[wishbone]

Are you able to find the best deals by going to a travel agent or is it better to book it all seperately?

[gottimd]

Originally Posted by wishbone

Are you able to find the best deals by going to a travel agent or is it better to book it all seperately?

I always wondered how Travel Agents stay in business with all of these sites out there these days. I just recently booked a vacation to the Dominican Republic, and was searching online through all of the sites and couldn't find anything reasonable. My wife went to a recommended Travel Agent and she got us a nice deal for a lot less than what the internet sites were offering.

So to make a long story short, yes, I think a Travel Agent will be able to get you better deals in most cases.