Although Mexico may have received some negative publicity recently, international travelers such as British Columbia Canada resident Doug Reynolds, keep going back to enjoy the Mexican sun and hospitality. Reynolds has traveled to Mexico four times in the last five years including in 2009, and says he has never encountered any type of health or safety issue. His recent visit to Cancun and the Mayan Riviera was a very positive experience. These days travelers might also be able to pick up some great travel deals.
Cancun and the Yucatan Peninsula
Most flights go into Cancun as a central point for exploring the Yucatan Peninsula. Cancun has a reputation of being more crowded, touristy and a party town – spring breakers and all – more so then some of the other Yucatan sites. Of course, if it is the bright lights, party nightlife and action visitors are seeking – this is the place for you. The choices for accommodation, entertainment and restaurants are many – at a variety of prices – but more expensive then the more southern Playa Del Carmen. Some travelers use Cancun as a temporary jumping off point to go exploring the southern Mayan Riviera. If planes arrive very late at night, and travel plans offer a choice, for example: not being tied to a package tour – book a couple nights in Cancun - to prevent arriving at Mayan locations tired and jet-lagged.
Playa Del Carmen
“Trendy and timeless with an air of funky informality” is how Playa del Carmen has been described by the AAA Tour Book. Environmentalism and ecological awareness have become a major theme in the area – which will hopefully protect the Riviera Maya from too many theme parks, unbridled development or artificially created tourist sites. It will be a delicate balance to maintain.
Looking for a more laid-back holiday visit? Playa Del Carmen – south of Cancun - will fit the bill. It is a great alternative to the more crowded and developed destinations of Cancun or Cozumel. Located at the midway point of the coastal area of the Riviera Maya, the city once was the main departure point for Mayan pilgrims visiting the temples of Cozumel – across the water. Playa, as the locals call it, has still been able to preserve some of its historic Mexican culture and charm – where magical, Mayan mystery is still in the air.
Here are some quick tips to help enjoy Playa Del Carmen.
Extensive travel guidebooks, such as the Fodor's Travel books and Lonely Planet, have also been written on this historic area, to better prepare for the trip in advance.
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