Mexico
 

Anyone been to Mexico in the last couple years? I want to go there this winter break and need some advice. Was thinking about Puerto Vallarta but am open to other suggestions. I want to do an all inclusive package, drinks, hotel, food, clubs etc. Probably going with a group of 2 or 3 other people. I've looked online and can't really find too many websites selling all inclusive packages. Is this something I should use a travel agent for? If so anyone know some good ones?

Thanks in advance.

I figure the trip should be cheap right now with all the drug wars and swine flu going on down there.

I personally prefer Mazatlan to Vallarta, but that is personal preference. Usually at least with air fare, the winter months are cheaper. As far as your all inclusive packages, not much help as I live in Mexico and don't get too many of those deals.

You can get them from just calling the hotels.. It is what we did in Playa Del Carmen..

I hear Tijuana is a nice place to take the kids. Lots of donkey rides and such.

ROFL

What in your opinion makes Mazatlan better? I've never been to Mexico period, so any local suggestions are very welcome.

Lol that's one show I don't care to see. I am a bit afraid that it would be like a car wreck though. Though you don't really want to see it, your eyes are drawn to it anyway.

From my experience mazatlan just seems more "friendly", and I liked the beach there better. Of course the fact that I go to vallarta every time I fly out probably doesn't help. Whenever in Vallarta I had other things on my mind, and never really relaxed and just enjoyed the beaches, but it did seem more Americanized the Vallarta. I am not sure that all the activities will be available for Winter Break as when I go, but we were first in Mazatlan for 5 days, and could have stayed 5 more and still had plenty to do (and none of our activities were planned before we got there). Just my 2 cents.

Mexican Riveria is nice down by Playa del Carmen.

I can recommend the Iberostar Hotel Paraiso... it was great! Private beach, excellent pools, butler service, all-inclusive. Very nice (nicest one we saw in the area).

http://www.iberostar.com/EN/Riviera-...iso_3_117.html

If being in or around water and beaches are a priority; stay in the Riveria (?) Maya area by Playa Del Carmen on the gulf side. Incredible diving and snorkeling, Mayan ruins, Xel-Ha is an incredible day trip.

Xel-Ha is great but IMHO tulum is the best.

Chichen Itza is impressive but it's a 3hr bus ride from hell there & back. If you want ruins, Tulum and Xel-Ha are the best choice... and they are close to Playa.

I wouldn't go to that shit whole the drug wars are pretty bad/

$300 a night huh? Bet is is quite a place...

Looks awesome but pretty pricey. Checking it out now though.

Yeah the price they quoted me for the Hotel room is more than I had planned on spending for the whole trip. Looks amazing though.

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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.

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.

$1200 for flight and hotel, figure about $300 to $500 extra once we get done there on spending money. College students. Can't afford much more than that.

I wouldn't go. There have been something like 10000 drug related murders in the past year or so. I have Mexican customers who have houses in Mexico and they won't go right now.

Finding lots of all inclusive deals on Expedia for around 700 bucks a person in Playa Del Carmen right now, includes 6 nights and air-fare...

Elgringo, you live in Mexico. Is it pretty safe to go to a resort in Playa Del Carmen this December? I just don't see the U.S. allowing me to travel there if it really is that bad right now. They wouldn't kill an American, we are their custmomers not their competition!

Depends on where you are, who you run into and most importantly how you act. Go low profile and show respect for the locals and the Mexican people are some of the most gracious hosts I have ever met.

In other words do exactly what your folks taught you to do when you are a guest.

Screw the U.S. not allowing you to travel there, the Mexican government themselves will make sure it is safe. Sorry, the love Americans taking vacations down here, understand I would live comfortably with a monthly income of 700.00 (I have more than that so I live luxiouriously). When americans come and you are talking about 6500 pesos after hotel and airfare all inclusive deals, that works out great. The Drug cartels, have I seen them, yes, do I fear them, no. And the police around here have bigger guns, and usually enjoy laughing at the gringos. Just me, would recommend a visit to Mexico for everyone.

I second that recommendation whole heartedly. A beautiful country with a wonderful culture and life-loving people.

OHHHH...and as a side note, if you are not afraid to go to LA, where there are multiple gangs and stand a chance of being hit by crossfire when you are not the intended target, you should have no fear here. There is typically only 1 group that controls everything.

Don't listen to the idiots spouting off about violence and drug cartels. The resort towns are perfectly safe.

I'm not the one worried about it. I have just heard a lot of nay-sayers from this thread. To all of those who were nay-sayers. I leave all of my casino cash and rep points to you guys should anything bad happen :)

Which is a better indicator of a hotel, customer reviews or number of stars?

How does this one look?
http://www.expedia.com/pub/agent.dll...pv/htid=522220

I guess I should throw in one caveat...if you are talking about Northern Mexico (Tijuana and the likes) I have no experience and throw out anything I have said about Mexico (from my understanding it is a completely different area, and you may have some worries).

Depends on who is issuing the stars. Customer reviews are only 100% believable if you know who is giving the reviews.

If you find a hotel you are interested in run it by this board. Betcha someone will know something about it.

Here's an excellent forum for info about Playa del Carmen. I used it for research before our trip. It's got tons of info about all-inclusives, tours, restaurants, night life, etc.

http://www.playa.info/playa-del-carmen-forum/

Exactly. The border towns are the story lines ... beach resorts and other rich, cultural spots such as Merida, Chiapas, Xalapa, Veracruz City ... don't worry. Research yourself and like I said, try TripAdvisor.com.

We stayed here for a wedding..

http://www.barcelo.com/BarceloHotels...ayaPalace/Home

Averaged out to about 200bucks a day for our all inclusive package for 7 days..

Then paid extra for xel-ha and tulum..

Honestly if you do both, do them on separate days..

Had no problem at our resort.. Drank the water and ate the ice.. Of course all of theirs were filtered or bottled..

You think Cancun has character? You need to get around.
Every city I have ever visited in all 4 corners of the globe I have made sure I venture out to hang with the locals. Cancun is USELESS!!! Unless you're some college turd looking to hook-up. From the thread started it doesn't appear that that's what he's looking for.
Get a job.

You can get the Royal Playa del Carmen for 6 nights the week before Christmas on FunJet for $2468 total including airfare from Kansas City. I highly recommend this place. Excellent service/food/rooms.

I have not been to Mexico lately, but I drove through East Tulsa last week.

Hell, that might not be bad advice.

Since we seem to have Mexico experts in this thread, and my experiences are limited to Cancun and the border, I'll go ahead and ask:

Curious if anyone has been to Oaxaca. My wife and I have been kicking around a trip to that area for years, but we never seem to do it.

yes, it is beautiful, well worth a visit.....it's been a decade so i can't really tell you much or what to do...but the further south you go the more beautiful mexico is, plus i think you can hit some less touristy beaches from there

:) No lie. Little Mexico it is.

The hell with Mexico, go to Belize.

http://ambergriscaye.com/

I go there every year and it is fantastic.

Or even better, Costa Rica!

Mexico is. . .well, just Mexico. Seems like one place is just like the last place you visited.

We did Barcelo Maya on our honeymoon. It was very nice.

In April we went to Puerto Vallarta and stayed at Casa Velas. AMAZING.

Where do you stay there?

The Belize Yacht club for now.

http://media.expedia.com/hotels/2000...149170_1_s.jpg
(long story) Decent place, but for the money and a more reasonable rate, I know one of the guys that owns the Banana Beach. He lives right here in Billings. When I go down there, I spend a lot of time at the BB. I try to time it when my buddy is down there.

http://www.bananabeach.com/

Check out the canadian geek who can't find fun in Cancun. What up Poindexter?
Continue to hold down the northern United States, we'll nationalize you when we need you.

Boo-hoo, what will I ever do? The red-neck hick is trying to bash my country.
Fully read the posts before you go spouting off you ignorant loser. You bore me.

"Just Mexico"? Mexico is a whole lot more than beach resorts ... Most people don't go to the more historic, cultural places in Mexico ... also, Mexican coffee is way underrated ... Bola de Oro is good stuff. Costa Rica is beautiful, but give Mexico a little bit more credit than "just Mexico" ...

On a side note Bob, we go there about every year, if you two ever want to head that direction, just let me know and you are more than welcome to join us.

I was looking at the rates at Banana Beach. They seem pretty reasonable. What do you usually pay for airfare? What time of year do you usually go?