.

Donkey shows are crazy. one of my friends dads runs some shows in mexico. you would be suprised how many people go to see them. "poor women"

If you don't have your passport yet get started on it now.

The Gulf side has better beaches/water. Might be a little chilly in winter time.

That's northern Mexico and no where close to where he is planning to head.

nuh uh its all them damm mexicans erverawher

/billay

Been to both Vallarta and the Mayan Riviera. Both very nice if you choose the right resort. If in the Mayan, avoid Cancun like the plague (shit hole with nothing but thievin' bastards everywhere) . In fact try to avoid ant big city especially at night unless you're in a big group.
I do believe in the winter months there's a good chance you'll see whales in Puerto Vallarta. If that interests you.

If you want something really nice, fly up here to Canada then down to Cuba. Havana is awesome. Varadero beaches are second to none.

Caribbean.

When giving advice like that you might want to mention that it is against US law and many have been prosecuted for doing exactly this.

I've been to many different areas in Mexico, Cancun is far from a shit hole when you stay within the resort confines.

I go to Mexico at least once a year since my wife is from there and has family there. If you're looking for a good beach vacation, then I highly recommend Playa del Carmen. It's 45 mins south of Cancun, and there are fewer obnoxious tourists there. There are a lot more Europeans that visit Playa. (not that that means anything, just saying ...) I've never used a travel agent. You can find nice, clean hotels one block from the beach or on the beach for $80 US dollars per night. Check online, orbitz, TripAdvisor.com, just check around. Playa del Carmen is also close to Tulum, which has a fantastic beach surrounded by Mayan ruins ... My advise it to check out TripAdvisor.com and go from there.

When down there about 20-30% of the people at my resort were American. The Cuban authorities don't stamp your passport. They give you a separate card to stamp.

Did you walk around the city of Cancun? Like I said, other than the resorts, it's a grade - A shit hole! 2 minutes off the bus I had a kid going through my pockets, another offering my weed, when I declined I saw the little bugger run over to a cop that was keeping a close eye on him - working together. Plus, the city has no real history or character.
Check out the ruins and natural attractions but avoid the big cities!

The actual "city" part of Playa isn't great, but people don't go there for that, nor do they go to Cancun to go to the local library. However, if you want the best Mexican food anywhere, you have to walk of the tourist path a few blocks, but it is worth it.

Best advice: DO NOT drink the water!!! Order all of your drinks with NO ICE.

Montezuma's Revenge is no bullshit. That stuff will kick your ass.

I walked around Cancun. Met lots of nice people. Shit hole areas....but also nice areas. I have been 3 times now and have had many experiences. Some good, some bad. I will go back.

I've been to Mexico many times, and even if you avoid the water, you'll pay for it. Their food is so rich in nutrients because it doesn't have all of the additives and pesticides and shit. You can drink bottled water as much as you want, but the food will get you too.