All I'm saying is don't waste a whole day of your high priced vacation wandering through the crappy markets that sell useless t-shirts and expensive knock-off, mass produced items while having your pockets picked when you can spend your days drinking for free on a beautiful beach or exploring the natural wonders. If you feel the need to hit the towns, like FlowingJuices said, wonder off the beaten path for a home-cooked meal. Those locals will treat you right.
P.S. bring gifts for the work staff at your resort. Stuff for their kids or toiletries, etc. They really need it and they don't see any of the tips you give to your waiters and bartenders.

Visit Beautiful Juarez, and let everybody know you are American DEA.

I've never been to a resort hotel. I think many Americans who haven't been to Mexico before feel safe doing this, but I can assure you that you can find cheap, clean, safe hotels on your own and maybe feel more liberated. When I travel to Mexico, I don't want to feel like I'm in the United States, that's why I go to Mexico. Most if not all of these hotels in resort areas speak English too, if that is a fear. When i went to Xalapa in Veracruz state, we stayed at a hotel that cost $45 per night and it was beautiful, with clean rooms, exotic plants everywhere, coffee plants right outside our window ... Ask around, use the internet. I'm guessing travel advisors and big tourism packages are not worth it, that's all I'm saying.

ROFL Tijuana is also nice.

Go to Jamaica

What's old is what's new.:D

What do you know about below Diego?

Fly into Cancun or somewhere down there and you will be alright.

Mexico's drinking age is 18. I took advantage of that when I was 18-20. Crazy times.

Like I said, for an American citizen traveling to Cuba is illegal.

Yes I've walked Cancun, you afraid of a little local flavor? I've taken the crazy bus as far as it would go then cabbed back in the middle of the morning when the buses weren't running. How can you get to Pericos if you won't leave the resort?


I've been woken up on the beach by Federales with machine guns while laying naked next to the girly I was banging the night before. Once they saw I was Americano they smiled and elevator-eyed the girl before moving on.

Did you take the boat ride over to Isla Mujeres?

You refuse to leave the resort area yet say the city has no character? You sound like a whole lot of fun to travel with.

I'll recommend Playa del Carmen as well. We stayed at the Royal Playa del Carmen in April and had a great time. 5th Avenue (where all the restaurants, bars and shops are) is within walking distance. Also, Tulum and Xel-Ha are amazing as others have mentioned.

Keep the suggestions coming. Glad to see so many people have been there. Looking to spend about 1200 bucks a person total. I've been told that December before Christmas time and this is very possible. Going to look into Playa del Carmen now.

As to Cuba, I'm still technically in the Military. This is a big no no for us.

I've been going back and forth to Mexico for the past year for my job. This job is just on the North side of Mexico City. I'm not going to vacation spots when I travel there but I would never recommend anyone going to Mexico. I'm not a big fan.

Can you explain more please? I would never recommend Mexico City, but to say don't go to Mexico because of that 1 city is a bit overboard. It is kinda like saying don't go to America because of Detroit.

$1200 per person? Does that include hotel cost or no? My wife and I spent $300 all week long in Playa on food, beer, and travel needs (tours, etc). The hotel and plane tix consumed the rest of the cost, but the actual expenses while in Playa were as cheap as anyplace.

No kidding, Mexico has some nice spots to check out. The drug cartels just kill the reputation, however. Espcially in the last 2-3 years.