Cancun is a truly well-liked holiday desination for every age. Most would outline traveling off-peak as ‘traveling outside rush-hours to avoid overcrowding in public way of transport.’ This sounds all too straightforward and as we’d expect – simpler to say than to do. By traveling off-peak, not merely will you get less expensive flights and accommodations.

And do you know that traveling off-peak means traveling during vacations ( not before or after ) when airfares are lower and there’s less road traffic? Best Times To Go For both air and automobile travel, keep clear of the hordes by traveling in the week, particularly from Tues. thru Thursday. An additional bonus is that airfares for travel Tues. thru Thursday are typically cheaper.

Mid-morning and late afternoon flights have a tendency to be less crowded, and you can truly avoid commute traffic in this time. This site also offers the load on late night flights ( a. K. A red-eye flights for unequivocal reasons ) : these flights will help you avoid traffic but it is only effective if you can sleep sitting up-right on an aircraft! Some of the cheapest Cancun travel deals of the year can be discovered in the autumn. Should you chance to find nonresistable super offer during off-peak dates that fall between major vacations, do not waste time. Book instantly with your discount trip booker. Never hesitate! Traveling off-peak to Cancun in the Northern US winter months instead of during summer is highly regarded. You could say what is the point in going to Mexico in winter when you are going there to absorb the beaches? But the reality is, there’s barely anything such as winter in the Mexico as it stays warm the majority of the year.

Actually it is not a brilliant idea to fly there in the top season ( I.e, summer months ) as this is the period when the hurricanes often come. It can also help to sign up to online newsletters of discount air trip bookers like Travelocity or Expedia. By having yourself included in these corporations ‘ mail list, you can get your paws on off-peak travel promotions quicker than people who did not. So you see, it’s not only the air miles! Eventually, book your flight early to secure the greatest number of gains from traveling off-peak. One year’s planning can definitely help you harvest the reward of the least expensive airfares possible! From the other standpoint, booking last minute can also have its rewards.

If you are the kind who can leave at a minute’s notice, you are able to save a lot from last-minute flights and accommodations. In fact, most airlines and hostels would prefer to seriously discount their places and rooms than leave them empty!

When Hurricane Wilma swept thru Cancun a couple Octobers ago the powerful winds stripped away eight miles of some of the prettiest sandy beach internationally. Everybody from Mexican President Vincente Fox down to the local residents knew the beach needed to be revived or Cancun’s future was in grave danger. Inside weeks the Mexican state promised $21 million to revive the beach. Now they have made good on that guarantee, and a huge barge being run by a Belgian firm is working nighttime and daytime to replace the sand.

The target date to have the bright white sand back in place is the end of Apr, and already the enormous earth moving machines are smoothing the sand dredged up from the sea bed. **A long-time problem Cancun has some of the Caribbean’s most pretty beaches. But the resort city of approximately three hundred thousand is perched on the acute southeast end of the Yucatan Spur, looking out into the Caribbean, and too frequently is firmly in the trail of hurricanes that come sweeping in from the ocean. The difficulty of beach erosion existed long before Hurricane Wilma. Local Cancun officers have known for years the coast was eroding and the beach was being washed out to sea. That process was given a lift by Hurricane Gilbert which swept away about half of the beach in Sep of 1988. One of the positive outcomes of Hurricane Wilma is that it became the govt to make the dedication to beach restoration.

What shore gurus had been making efforts to do for at least seventeen years, Hurricane Wilma did in a matter of a few days. **An necessary resource for Cancun Erosion of shores and beaches is an issue around the globe, but in Cancun, where it’s the terribly lifeblood of the resort, the disaster of Wilma eventually led straight to significant action. Cancun is composed of 3 distinct areas. Ciudad de Cancun, the city, has a population of approximately three hundred thousand. Off the beach, the ecological reserve, has phenomenal lakes, forests and mangrove marshland. Cancun is a destination for holiday makers from the U.S, Canada, and Europe.

It has more than 25,000 hotel rooms, loads of trattorias and 1 or 2 hundred shops. There are roads leading to the forest, making it a straightforward trip to see the forest and remains of traditional local Mayan culture. Approximately 3,000,000 holiday makers came to Cancun last year, spending around $4 billion

But Wilma has put a damper on tourism this year. The thousands of travellers, who are beginning to revisit this famous resort, will be back in mobs once the reconstructing and restoration are complete.

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While the general public know Mexico is a great vacation spot, few realize Mexico beaches are rated as some of the finest internationally. This makes honeymooning in Mexico a wondrous experience. Honeymooning in Mexico When you plan for your trip, you are planning for one of the most inspiring holidays of your life.

This is the 1st holiday you may take together as man and other half, so you would like it to be truly special.

Honeymooning in Mexico can suggest that you may have an impressive tropical holiday to recollect, and you may have an excellent place to return to for your anniversary. Honeymooning in Mexico can be many various things.

If you like relaxing on the beach, there are several different destinations that may satisfy your romantic wishes. If you like the escapade of exploring new places and seeing historic sites, Mexico offers that too. Whether you are more of a thrill-seeker or party person, Mexico is certain to offer all the excitement you would like. One place that handles honeymooning in Mexico is Cancun.

Renowned for its exciting beach party feel and tropical environment, many couples select this as their destination. Found on the Yucatan Headland, over 2,000,000 folks visit Cancun yearly, making it a hot spot for all kinds of holidays. The comprehensive Dreams Cancun Resort and Spa, found on the beach at the end of the Promontory offers personal balconies, posh guest rooms and more. Since it’s comprehensive, you need not have any worries about stumping up for stuff like drinks and food while you are staying at the resort – everything’s sorted beforehand.

The complimentary ( must show wedding certificate ) Honeymooning Package offers a fruit plate, bottle of champers, a passionate dinner and even a bubbly breakfast in bed! Other romantic destinations in Mexico include places that are not on the sea. For instance, the city of Oaxaca offers historic attractions and architectural perspectives that cannot be found some place else in the country.

Black clay pottery was made famous here, and lots of other crafts are performed in the area. Close by, natural attractions like El Tule, the two thousand year old tree wait to be found and in the town, there are such sites as a church built back in 1521! Honeymooning in Mexico is ideal for all kinds of couples. From wide, attractive beaches to colonial towns, romantic places and moments abound.

Cancun has long been a well-liked spring break travel destination. Anyime of the year is a great time to visit Cancun For many of us, taking a holiday is a thing we get to do only every year, and frequently plan and save the entire year for. So if you’ve always needed to visit somewhere or do something special — why wait? Include it in your next holiday plans.

While ‘Cacun in the Springtime’ is extraordinarily fun, the reality is that you are most sure to spend many days outside, as the weather can be wet and hot. Infrequently there’s rain, but if you aren’t sure of weather patterns, check with your tour agent who can counsel you on wet seasons or other weather-related issues for journeying to a particular spot.

If your financial position is smaller, consider visiting Cancun, hunting for packed tours, or, if you are flexible, book a ‘last-minute’ trip, which can frequently save you thirty percent or even more. Try the current exchange rate between your currency and that of the country you will be visiting, to have a better notion of what your holiday is going to cost. When possible, travel in an off-peak season to save more. Your secret dreams or ‘someday’ wishes

Political Climate : While most nations that depend on tourism try very hard to guarantee the safety of visitors, nowadays it’s usually a good concept to keep up on the existing political climate of the country you are intending to visit, particularly if there were issues during the past.

Your own ‘internal clock’ If you like sleeping in in the mornings, and ‘doing your own thing’ then a steered tour is perhaps not for you. Most led tours begin early in the morning, and you are on a busy schedule till evening. You can visit a few towns in a land or nations inside a mentioned quantity of time, and you’re obliged to stay with the group. From a different perspective, if you do not like traveling by yourself, you like the friendship of others and getting to see as much as practical in the time you have, a led tour or cruise could be the very thing for you. Six. How you want to pass the time

Take a little time to consider what you like doing before planning your trip. Once you’re certain what you wish to do, work out what you will have enough time to do. Seven. Use the resources that are generally accessible to make your trip special and economize

Today’s travelers have countless options when planning their holiday. You need to use the Web to learn more about the towns or states you need to visit, check out costs, even book your flight or hotel room. If you are visiting a place for the 1st time, check with a travel advisor, speak to somebody who’s ‘been there, done that’ on a Web Forum, or contact local chambers or commerce or travel councils to get some more info about where to go, what to see and what to do. Eight. Get arranged

You need to use trip-planning software, or your own favourite organising system to organise and plan your trip. Do not forget stuff like ensuring your passport and picture ID are recent, finding out if travel insurance is something that you need, and where to exchange your cash. The more arranged you are at the beginning, the better holiday you could have.

Pack lightly Many of us take too much on a holiday, and finish up dragging heavy cases and other bags along full of items that we either do not use or have no need for. When arranging your trip, look at your wardrobe and pack as gently as you can. Take just what you will truly need, and remember that if you forget or finish up requiring something, likelihood is that you can get it once you accomplish your destination. Have a great time! Get organised, make your plans and expect the absolute best.

That way, once you are on the way, you are going to be able to chill and have a good time.

But remember, there are few ‘perfect’ holidays, so if something does go screwy, try and relax and ‘go with the flow’ as much as practical.

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Sightseeing is a fun thing that you can do while on your vacation, and Sightseeing in Cancun is no different than any other destination.

You will find that Mexico has a lot of history and that you will be able to find some tours that will show you places that happen to be near your hotel. You won’t regret seeing any of these beautiful sites, but it is also historical places that will make the trip educational for the whole family.

Sightseeing in Cancun – Isla Mujeres

Isla Mujeres is a quick twenty-minute ferry ride (which can itself be enjoyable) from Cancun, and this beautiful island is rich in history and folklore. [Read more...]

The island of Cozumel is only twelve miles off the Mexican Yucatan Peninsula’s east coast and 44 miles south of Cancun. For a long while Cozumel was a quite knackered island that did not get many visitors till Jacques Cousteau did a documentary on it after discovering the first class underwater diving at the Palancar Reefs close by.

Since 1961, Cozumel has been known as one of the very finest underwater diving destinations internationally. Actually for many years since that point, the sole holiday makers visiting the island have been essentially scuba divers. Nonetheless Cozumel changed into a regular ship port of departure in recent times and today it happens to be one of the most hectic with 2 separate terminals. It isn’t uncommon to have 5 or perhaps 6 different cruise ships at port on any specific day. I have been to Cozumel twice, the 1st time staying a couple of days on a underwater diving holiday and the second time for a day thru liner ( also scuba dived during my 2nd visit ). Due to the ship boom, there was a lot of retail development along the key waterfront road of Avenida Rafael Melgar in the island’s only city of San Miguel de Cozumel. There are numerous jewellery and t-shirt shops most with staff standing in the entrances captivating visitors to enter their stores. There also are some nice Mexican crafts shops too. The one problem that we found was that after around four jewellery shops, all of them started to look the same.

It was nearly a retail overload. For those that came for a wilder time, there are some bars like Carlos ‘n ‘ Charlie.

The town’s main out of doors square, Piazza del Sol, is just opposite the key ferry dock to the mainland. There are customarily street sellers and artists in the Square as well local entertainment during some evenings. The artists do some fantastic design with spray paints and their costs are reasonable. San Miguel’s main holiday maker area can be busy in the daytime when the ship passengers are in the town but since most ships depart at dinnertime, the evenings are essentially extraordinarily quiet. The sole holiday makers left at night have a tendency to be the scuba divers staying in Cozumel. The majority of the hostels and resorts are south of San Miguel and aren’t inside walking distance. But there are many white taxis that are freely available.

The bigger and more magnificent resorts are farther south of the town along the southwestern shores.

This is essentially not surprising since most of the finest scuba swimming sites are southwest of the island. I once leased a scooter and zigzagged along the majority of San Miguel’s streets to see the areas. Then I went on the primary road leaving city and went south. After passing by the bigger resorts and going round the southern end of the island, I found the beaches along the southeastern shores. The shores near San Miguel along the crowded west coast aren’t famous for beaches but the southeast part here have some truly impressive ones. There are one or two stops with refreshments and more mementos at costs even better than in San Miguel. After going north again, there’s a road about halfway up the island that goes across and takes you back to San Miguel entering the town’s east side. My scooter tour of the island took just over two hours and cost $25 US for the rental. Cozumel has 1 or 2 traditional Mayan ruins but they don’t seem to be just about as gigantic or impressive as the ones on the mainland.

After having seen some pictures of them ahead of my trip, I did not even trouble to see the ruins. Cozumel is a pleasant port of landing for cruise ships as there are several shopping possibilities. For liner visitors who don’t propose to do any watersports and have a little time after shopping, it is strongly recommended to hire a scooter or 4×4 to tour the island. This is also a pleasant way to spend the final day of a scuba dive holiday in Cozumel.

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People who have been to Cancun have experienced the thrilling wonder of what is sometimes known as the Mexican Caribbean and the constantly changing colours of its waters.

They have welcomed the tropical temperatures and the hospitality of its residents. You can climb on board a catamaran and go to the one of the loveliest islands in Mexico, Isla Mujeres, or exploit the unique snorkeling in beautiful, calm waters.

If you like, you can simply lie out in the sunshine and sponge up the rays. Charters are available for groups composed from anywhere from 20 to 80 passengers. Sport Fishing : Chartering a fishing ship in Cancun is way more reasonable than you could think, or you can join other single fishermen in an excursion to catch sailfish, marlin, mahi mahi, grouper, and lots of other types of fish. The best trips and charters include fishing licenses and bait, are outfitted with fish finders, GPS, prime quality rods and reels, and fighting chairs. Underwater Diving : The underwater diving in Cancun is impressive, but there aren’t many diving experiences to rival cavern diving in the Cenote cavern in Riviera Maya. Part of the Mayan underground water system, the caves feature phenomenal stalagmite and stalactite formations and 300-feet visibility. You may also enjoy reef and wreck diving which will supply you with an once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Jungle Tours : For visitors to Cancun, the Nichupte Lagoon is a have to see. The easiest way to see the jungle is to enroll with a tour that allows you to drive your own speedboat, gives you lots of time for snorkeling, and gives you a trained guide. Events to Recollect Cancun Catamaran charters are good for company outings, Spring Break parties, or only for a day of sailing and fun. For more chic occasions, or when regular boats simply will not do, chartering a yacht is sheer perfection. The Price is Right Whether you would like to go on a fishing excursion or charter an exclusive yacht, the costs are quite reasonable.

As an example, you can charter a 33-foot fishing ship for 8 folks for 8 hours for only about $650. You can go on a cavern dive for approximately $140 or a jungle tour for roughly $55. If you happen to feel the necessity for speed, you can also go on an adrenaline-filled Shotover Jet tour thru the mangroves for rather less than $50.

Next time you go to Cancun, do lots more than dip your toes in the water.

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Getting ready to travel to Mexico this year? Is a Mexico family holiday in your future, or are you wanting to take a little time for relaxation and rest on the sandy white beaches of Cancun or Puerto Vallarta? Well, your timing is right. Be certain you are prepared before you travel, as there were some new needs issued by the U.S. State Dept. . Though it is a small change from previous travel necessities, it has effects on all U.S.
Fundamentally, all that’s needed is a passport, which most frequent travelers have anyhow.

The goal? To make it safer for you and to brace US border security. These are some crucial facts you should really know : The Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 demands that by Jan first, 2008, travelers from and to the Caribbean, Bermuda, Panama, Mexico and Canada have a passport or other secure, accepted document to enter or re-enter the US. In the suggested implementation plan, which is subject to a period of primary public comment, the Drive will be rolled out in phases, providing as much advance notice as practical to the influenced public to help them to meet the details of the new laws. The Easiest Way to get a Passport First, when making an application for a passport, ensure you permit sufficient time.

It sometimes takes six weeks to process a passport application. Where are you able to sign up for a passport? The state Dep. gives a convenient search tool to aid in finding the Passport approval Facility closest you. What is the most active time for passport processing? Generally between Jan and July. Naturally, if you’ve an emergency and need to go to Mexico immediately, the state Office does offer some options. Go to their web site at http://www.travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html, or call the U.S.

Nationwide Passport Info Center : 1-877-4USA-PPT extra Tips for Travel to Mexico Be certain to leave your travel check-list and passport info with a mate or relative in case the originals are lost. It could also be useful to carry a copy of your travel documents with you in another location from the originals. Avoid traveling with big amounts of money. Visa cards are universally accepted and most areas visited by traveller will have an ATM machine. These are very good options because they’re safe, convenient and you get an auspicious exchange rate. Another possibility is to use traveler’s checks. Employing a fanny pack or travelers wallet for your money and passport is a smart idea. While they’re making great steps in bettering the water quality through Mexico, it is smart to drink bottled water.

Additionally, avoid drinking drinks over ice as the ice could have been made of tap water. Wash vegetables and fruit in a purging solution of some specific type. Before leaving, check with your healthcare insurance supplier so you are conscious of your coverage. If you are looking to drive over the border be certain to acquire a non-permanent import permit and all of the mandatory insurance. So now that you have been informed, what are you waiting for? Mexico is a land of superb beauty and natural wonder! Whether you are going to bright Cancun, festive Acapulco, or maybe Puerto Vallarta, your ultimate Mexican holiday getaway is simply a flight away!

Cancun is back, better than ever! Over 100 Mexico resorts have re-opened and the state tourism minister foresees Cancun will draw as many visitors in 2006 as it probably did 2 years back. And the travel deals are good! If you have not been, now might be the most suitable time to take a holiday to Cancun. Since Hurricane Wilma hit in late October, the clean up has been moving fast.

In reality commercial and charter flights are back on regular schedules and lots of the Cancun hostels, cafes, bars, shops, golfing courses and clubs have re-opened. Even the traditional Mayan sites of Tulum and Coba are open and looking much better than before. To try to patch up the beaches, engineers have been working full time building equivalent to 2 American soccer fields of beach a day by collecting the displaced sand, from twenty-two miles off shore, onto 2 ships and re-depositing it back in it’s original location.

The hostels and shops in Cancun continue to supply phenomenal, extremely customized and alert service. It is a Divers Nirvana : Divers are enjoying less crowds, great conditions and individualized service now that those areas have re-opened. Expedia.com Helping Spread the Word : Expedia is working with travel industry partners in Cancun to make more awareness about the area as well as setting up smart business practices for local merchants that may keep extra cash in the local communities. New roles : Cancun has added ten thousand new roles since the Hurricane Now’s the time to go to Cancun Hence when you make travel plans this year, do not forget about Mexico’s number one vacation spot.

Cancun has received a genuine facelift with reworked shopping arcades, new hostels and revived beaches.

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Living in Mexico was an adventurous fairytale; due to the variety of things to do, beauty of the country and the kindness of its residents. I am originally from Ohio but spent substantial time living in Mexico, studying the nature and history of this beautiful place. Here are some ideas and tips I learned from being there that may help you on your next trip to the Yucatan Peninsula.

Transportation by Bus

Using the public bus system is infinitely cheaper than taking taxis everywhere. If you are looking for cheaper transportation to and from the airport, take the bus to downtown Playa del Carmen or Cancun. It is easy and the bus stations are centrally located in both cities. You can choose to ride an air-conditioned bus for a small amount more than the non air-conditioned bus. I would use either, whoever left soonest. There are bus schedules posted for local travel or throughout the country. The nicest buses when I was there were the plush tour buses for longer trips, called ADO. Really nice buses that cost more but are worth it.

If you need to make phone calls in Mexico, buy a phone card there and use them from any pay phone. They can be used to call internationally as well. The locals, many of which do not have phones in their homes, use them all the time. You can buy them in the Casas de Cambio (places where you can exchange your money into Mexican pesos). A note on exchanging your money, check around, to look for the best exchange rates as they may vary place to place.

Those who don’t scuba can enjoy the beauty of the underwater coral gardens and scenery by snorkeling. Go to the scuba shops and inquire about what excursions they offer for snorkelers, or ask your resort’s front desk if you can sign up for snorkeling tours there at the hotel. Wear sunscreen while doing this daytrip, don’t expect a white t-shirt to protect you, because it won’t. If you don’t use sun protection, you will come back lobster-red, trust me.

How to Avoid Montezuma’s Revenge

A word about avoiding Turista (Montezuma’s Revenge, the Tourist Trots). These very unpleasant bacterial infections happen, frequently, to travellers. To avoid spending most of your vacation in the bathroom recuperating, I suggest you don’t eat raw fruit (unless it’s already peeled), and don’t drink drinks that have ice that isn’t round, with a hole in it (purified water ice cubes).

The large resorts’ food is safe, as far as I have experienced. I’ve stayed in a few before moving to Mexico and never got sick by eating or drinking their food. Big resorts take precautions against contaminated foods and drink. But, out on the street, those bacteria free float into the food offered at taco stands (and I love those, by the way), and wherever fruit is sold. If you buy fruit, peel before eating it.

If it isn’t peelable, then forget it. Drink purified, bottled water at all times. If you go to day-long trips out in the heat, bring a gallon jug of water, you will need it.

Find Good Tour Guides

Hire only qualified tour guides through reputable agencies (usually found through the hotels or your travel agent). Don’t use freelance tour guides because I was told when living there that some will make information up as they go along. Independent tour guides will approach you at places like the ruins of Coba, Chichen Itza and Tulum, for example. Go with a tour group to these places.

I liked the Apple tours, but there are many others that are good, too. Ask around to see who are most highly recommended. Chichen Itza is a big site, worthy of seeing, if you are going to choose a sight to see. The pyramid there, called El Castillo, is spectacular. I have been inside it (very, incredibly claustrophobic if you decide to brave it up the narrow stairway inside) and on top of it (steep stairs lead up to a few small rooms on the top, where nobility would perform rituals, etc.)

Take a camera and stop at the nearby hotel for lunch if you have the chance. There was a show there where dancers in Mayan dress entertained us as our group ate there. It was a good break from the heat of sightseeing this ancient city. Word to the wise, bringing a family-size vat of sunscreen wouldn’t be a bad idea. And as much water as possible. Walking around the site all day will dehydrate and bake you if you aren’t careful.

Check out the cenotes (lakes of brackish water in the jungle), accessed by taking buses or taxi, along the Playa del Carmen-Tulum corridor. I liked going to the Cenote Azul or the Cenote Dos Ojos. Cenotes attract nature, and while visiting them, I saw a variety of fascinating flora and fauna from basilisk lizards to a diving duck. Cenotes are the entrance points to underwater caves, which are only safe to go to with certified dive experts. Underneath the Yucatan peninsula there are a large network of underground caves that expert divers like to explore. Do not attempt to dive these on your own, because it is dangerous.

Visiting Xcaret

If you want to see what an underground cave is like, go nearby to the nature park of Xcaret, where there are underwater caves for the public to swim in.

Speaking of Xcaret, it is a must to visit if you love nature. It is full of educational activities and fun things to do for the whole family. Expect to spend an entire day there. There is swimming with dolphins, horseback riding, exploring an ancient Mayan village, seeing Mayan dancing shows, snorkeling in a large lagoon, all built into the jungles. It is a top-class place, and even has its own small zoo, butterfly garden and aviary. I know, I used to be the main illustrator for the park years ago. The restaurants are atmospheric and the food is good. Don’t forget to see the Mayan musicians do their flying pole exhibition, which is done all day long. They start on top of a pole, and “fly” down, while playing their instruments, while hanging from ropes by their ankles. You won’t see anything quite like it out of this region. Xcaret has a variety of natural history exhibits near their large gift shop. It is a “must” for all.

Boat Trips tp Playa Linda

If you want a fun trip by boat, go to Playa Linda (in the Hotel Zone of Cancun) and hop a boat over to Isla Mujeres. Aqua Tours has a big, luxurious yacht that goes over there a few times a day. On the way to the island, you are served drinks, are entertained by the staff and get a great view of the Cancun coastline. Once at Isla Mujeres, you are taken on excursions to places like Tortugranja (a sea turtle farm, where they raise endangered sea turtles from small to large), or Hacienda Mundaca (a supposed former estate of an ex-pirate, who built it for his love interest, according to local legend). They offer snorkeling, too. It’s a fun day trip, and the shopping is pretty good on the island, too.

Another interesting place to visit is Merida, the capital city of the state of Quintana Roo (where Cancun is located). It reminded me of Europe, with its lovely, large mansions,outdoor cafes and stately buildings. There, you will find the United States embassy, among others. If you need to replace a lost passport or talk to embassy officials, this is where you want to go. It is a very international place, worth the very long bus ride from Cancun.

Downtown Cancun has a few interesting places to shop. There are authentic food and crafts at Plaza 2000, or see Chedraui (a department/ grocery store), or Pelicano (another general merchandise store). I haven’t been to Cancun since the devastating hurricane there, so check to see if these places are still in operation, if so, they are definitely worth going to.

Eating Tamales Outside Cancun

Take a bus or taxi to these places, to get a more “authentic” Mexican experience. Staying just in the Hotel Zone is fun, but not a slice of everyday Mexican life. Try some of the great food stands where the locals go. I love the chicken cooked on spits everywhere, called “Pollo Rojo” (red chicken) due to the spices used. It is to die for and incredibly cheap. If you see people on the street selling tamales, try them, they are excellent and really cheap. I could easily eat my way through Mexico by living on tamales (meat inside a corn-based “cake”) and empanadas (meat turnovers) alone.

If you buy bakery items in Mexico at the grocery stores, bear in mind that they use much less sugar than Americans are used to having, in their recipes. I like the Conchitas, breads shaped like shells. If you want sweets, buy the cakes sold under the brand name
“Bimbo” (yes, that is the name of it). It is a major bread and snack food producer in Mexico.

Enjoy your stay in the lovely Mayan Riviera. Walk the beaches and admire that stunningly turquoise water, it is truly paradise. Enjoy the hospitality of the friendly and helpful Mexican nationals. Remember to have fun, but remember, it is a foreign country, so obey their laws and be respectful of the differences in culture. If you go, you’ll want to go back again and again. I know I did. The more you go, the more you know. Living in the Yucatan was an unforgettable experience, visiting there is too, so make it a memorable trip for yourself by seeing as much of it as you can. You won’t be disappointed.

Carolyn McFann is a scientific and nature illustrator, who owns Two Purring Cats Design Studio, which can be seen at: http://www.zazzle.com/twopurringcats Educated at the Rochester Institute of Technology in New York, Carolyn is a seasoned, well-traveled artist, writer and photographer. She has lived and worked in Cancun, Mexico, among other interesting professional assignments in other countries. Clients include nature parks, museums, scientists, corporations and private owners. She has been the subject of tv interviews, articles for newspapers and other popular media venues.

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