Cancun, Mexcio

[bowhunter1023]

Well it looks like we are headed to the Royal Mayan, part of the Royal Resorts chain of resorts, located in Cancun. It turns out that my fiances grandparents have a time share in Orlando and we were able to use that to get a week in Cancun at no cost to us. Only real cost is travel and what we spend there. A much better deal for my pockets!

So I was looking for advice for traveling to Cancun, or out of country for that matter. Also, what are some places we want to look into visiting while we are down there? I am big into ancient cultures, so I am excited about the Mayan ruins. Just some overall feedback about Cacun would be great.

Thanks in advance!

[deerhunt45]

Don't drink the water :cheeky-smiley-022: ;) :D

[bowhunter1023]

Don't drink the water :cheeky-smiley-022: ;) :D

Thanks Charlie! I think I heard that once or twice :)

[GMbuck]

We spent a week in the Riviera Maya, the area just south of Cancun. The trip was very nice. I'm sure you'll have fun. The best thing we did was hire a couple of locals to take us on a fishing/snorkeling trip. Didn't catch a darn thing, but saw 1/2 dozen giant sea turtles and spent the better part of the afternoon on a remote beach with my wife and daughter and not another tourist in sight. ;)

[stumphole 2]

Hey br

Chichenitzu (sp) are the mayan ruins, don't miss those they are really cool. Pack a lunch with plenty of water or drinks of your choice. If I can remember correctly it is like a 45 - 60 minute ride on the bus. If you get a chance also check out Cozumel great place to chill and barter with the natives. You can actually see it from the beach. Stay out of old cancun. nothing but pickpockets, thieves and a great place to get jumped. You will miss nothing by NOT going there. They have some cool malls and stuff down town, and some pretty good nightlife down there as well. If you have a gang of little kids come up to you keep your hand on your wallet those little beaners will rob you blind, they come up to you and tie bracelets on you and want you to pay for them, don't and again watch your wallet and your ladies purse. Utilize the in room safes, leave nothing to chance. Lastly have a great time.

[deerhunter_matt]

Jesse, check out USA 3000 for airfare, they usually run pretty cheap out of the land of cleves, not sure about other airports. Also, check out Xel-ha, (http://www.xel-ha.com/) It might seem kinda touristy, but it has great snorkeling in this little inlet where fresh and salt water meet. TONS of fish in there. They also have a swim with Dolphins thing. We went to Tulum which is some other Mayan ruins, they were pretty sweet.I also recomend doing some fishing, depending on the time of year, I hear the Marlin and Sailfish are pretty good, but with Tracie, I would recommend doing something with a bigger catch ratio, like a deep-sea snapper or something. Let me know if you want to do a week in Ft. Myers, too. I can see if my inlaws would be willing to rent you out their condo. If it was mine, i would offer it for free, but you know how it goes. I bet they would rent it pretty cheap to you, though. (in case you wanted to do 2 weeks, like we did) Then I could suggest A LOT!

[countyroad]

The Mayan ruins are actually called Chichen Itza and are a must see. It is extremely hot and humid there so make sure you have plenty of water (bottled). I was careful to drink only bottled water but I still didn't crap right for a good 10 days after I got home.
Definitely lock everything of value in your safe. Those short Mayan ancestors are a thieven bunch. My buddy had some beaded necklaces stolen (low value).
The public busses are a cheap and easy way to get around if you don't want a taxi. Both work just fine.
I did some jet ski renting which was a blast as well and an ATV adventure. The ATV adventure was not that great as the ATV's were small and the guide kept us under wraps. I also did a small speed boat adventure which was pretty fun. You drive a 2 person boat and follow a guide in the water. I was allowed to get pretty crazy on that.
The night life in town at the night clubs are pretty crazy if you're into that. It's not a relaxing time, but it's fun. More fun if you're single. Coco Bongos is one of them. It's about $40 to get in but it's all you can drink. I had a crazy time there. There's other night clubs/dance clubs also such as Daddy Rock, Friday's and Hard Rock.

[XX78]

I brought a case of bottled water on our trip to cancun. Everyone laughed when they saw it, and saw me using it for everything including brushing my teeth. I got the last laugh when I was going strong 5 days into our trip, and they were craping their brains out. Bring some hand sanitizer if you are going to be using the public buses.

[deerhunter_matt]

The Mayan ruins are actually called Chichen Itza and are a must see. .

Yea, they have that, there is a lesser-known set of ruins called Tulum which is more south of Cancun (I believe) It is primarily a stop for the cruise ships, so there are a lot of street vendors. They will try to barter for ANYTHING!!! Just keep that camera away around the vendors. They will try to barter you for that too!

[countyroad]

Yea, they have that, there is a lesser-known set of ruins called Tulum which is more south of Cancun (I believe) It is primarily a stop for the cruise ships, so there are a lot of street vendors. They will try to barter for ANYTHING!!! Just keep that camera away around the vendors. They will try to barter you for that too!

FYI, they'll include their sisters in the bartering as well.:tsk:

[stumphole 2]

The Mayan ruins are actually called Chichen Itza and are a must see. It is extremely hot and humid there so make sure you have plenty of water (bottled). I was careful to drink only bottled water but I still didn't crap right for a good 10 days after I got home.
Definitely lock everything of value in your safe. Those short Mayan ancestors are a thieven bunch. My buddy had some beaded necklaces stolen (low value).
The public busses are a cheap and easy way to get around if you don't want a taxi. Both work just fine.
I did some jet ski renting which was a blast as well and an ATV adventure. The ATV adventure was not that great as the ATV's were small and the guide kept us under wraps. I also did a small speed boat adventure which was pretty fun. You drive a 2 person boat and follow a guide in the water. I was allowed to get pretty crazy on that.
The night life in town at the night clubs are pretty crazy if you're into that. It's not a relaxing time, but it's fun. More fun if you're single. Coco Bongos is one of them. It's about $40 to get in but it's all you can drink. I had a crazy time there. There's other night clubs/dance clubs also such as Daddy Rock, Friday's and Hard Rock.

THanks for reinforcing what I said. lol

[countyroad]

THanks for reinforcing what I said. lol

Sure, your post brought back some memories.:whistle: I went when I was in college, so some memories are lost forever unfortunately.

I'll add that my parents' were just there over Christmas and they said things were just fine even though they had a pretty bad hurricane this past summer.

[CARPN-JAKE]

Corona on tap seems like a luxery when you first get there...but after a few days you'll be ready to kill for something else......We went to a all inclusive there last yr.....All the food and drink was really good....but I did get tired of corona.....I didn't believe it was possible...but it happened

[countyroad]

Corona on tap seems like a luxery when you first get there...but after a few days you'll be ready to kill for something else......We went to a all inclusive there last yr.....All the food and drink was really good....but I did get tired of corona.....I didn't believe it was possible...but it happened

Didn't they have Dos Equis? The all inclusive I stayed at (Cancun Palace, Moon Palace) really watered down their drinks. I said the heck with the slush and fruity crap they put in em and started asking for a cup of vodka. It was not top shelf, but it worked.

[whitetailfreak]

got nothing to negitive to say about nuttin ,its a great place to be when it s snowin here ,sounds like a great time have fun ,whos takin care of the dogs ?

[Bawana]

What time of the year will you be down there? It gets almost unbearably hot from June on...........Hard to say that with the weather we're having right now.

[bowhunter1023]

Freak... Remi will stay either with my parents or at my Uncles with his dogs. They are all buddies out there.

We will be down there from September 13th to the 20th. Can you use out money down there in most places? What about credit cards? I heard they had a new water system in Cancun, but my bowels ain't exactly right in the first place so I may stick to the bottled water just in case.

[countyroad]

I used USD's while there and credit cards. The hotel should do money exchanges for you. Mine did.

[deerhunter_matt]

I used USD's while there and credit cards. The hotel should do money exchanges for you. Mine did.

Probably better to do it at a bank first before you leave, though. I would think that the hotels wouldn't be giving you the most accurate exchange rate, and maybe even charge a fee. The only experience I have with this is going to Canada. And yes, CC's should work fine.

[XX78]

Whatever you do don't use a BANK CARD linked to your checking. Make all purchases either in cash or credit card with a good fraud protection policy. They may all have good fraud protection these days, but make sure. You never know who has an extra card reader under the desk.

[OLDHAT]

Trips outta the country:

Take enough money and have a good time, don't know how financially stable you may be, but if you've got the money to spend, spend it. Theory here is that you may never go back there again in your life, so go all out.

I always go all out and if I wanna do something I do it balls out 1st class...only way to go.

I've never been to Cancun...but for instance someone has mentioned the ruins may be a 60 minute ride to get there, hell instead of riding out, see if there are helicopter tours, pay for that, is a lot more enjoyable.

My old lady and I are into helicopter tours. The bus ticket may be $40.00 each and a 2 hour ride...I immediately try to find if there is a helicopter tour into the place, who cares if it costs $500.00 each, is the best way to go and worth every damn penny of it for the experience.

Don't mortgage the farm by any means, but don't do anything on the "cheap" when it comes to "getting away".

Oldhat

[Buckmaster]

Your bank ATM should work there. Mine did. I took minimal cash and was able to ATM as needed. Take a nice pair of mirrored sun glasses. Wearing tops on the beach is optional so there's a good chance you'll see some "sunny side ups"...just don't caught looking too long. :cool:

[bowhunter1023]

I always go all out and if I wanna do something I do it balls out 1st class...only way to go.


We're cut from the same cloth in that regards. By June when she starts work as a BSN/RN, things will be good! ;)

[deerhunter_matt]

Thanks for calling me last night douche! I was gonna tell you how to find the best deals on airfare, but not anymore!!!!! Your on your own!

[deerhunter_matt]

I'm just joking, of course. The most effective way I found for finding the cheapest airfare was to go onto the big online booking sites, like Expedia, Priceline, cheaptickets.com, etc. (Don't book through them, they are a rip off) But what you do is find their lowest advertised fares, then see what airline they are offered through. After that, go to the airlines website (you know, like delta.com, continental.com, etc.) Anyways, go to the airline websites and find the flights through them. Like I said, USA 3000 is probably a good bet. Also, I wouldn't book right now. Since it is your honeymoon and your dates aren't very flexible, just look around and do some price shopping. I would book by March, though, which is 6 months in advance. After that, prices will go up until a few days before the flights, when they will plummet (last-minute airfares) But those aren't a guarantee and since your dates are fixed, I wouldn't risk that, you might not get the right flights. Anyways, booking through the airlines is better, IMO. That way, you can sign up for their frequent flier programs, and you can check in right through their website.

Also, another good site is airfarewatchdog.com. They will send you weekly emails with the cheapest flights out of a specific airport. Speaking of which, what airport are you flying out of?

[bowhunter1023]

Sorry about that buddy. I got had to stop at Krogers and I got "side-tracked" with my buddies after that! ;) We will probably fly out of Columbus. I need to a lot of research between now and then that is for sure. Thank God for Al Gore and the internet!

[deerhunter_matt]

It's all good, just givin ya a hard time. I checked USA 3000 for ya, just cause I am a nice guy like that. Total for your exact dates is $830.60. If you were to go a week later, it would save you almost $100, $750.60. You can fly out of Pittsburgh for the same amount if you go the 14-21ss. Are you guys getting married on Friday or Saturday?

[deerhunter_matt]

By comparison, Delta is $798.12..... Per person....

[bowhunter1023]

Holy cow buddy! I was finding them for $850 total for both of us round trip on Travelocity the other day. We are getting married on Saturday the 6th, but not leaving for the honeymoon until the following Friday. We can't check-in until Saturday. That is the only day they do check-ins.

https://reservations.usa3000.com/checkout.aspx?lang=en&BookingID=71a4b6b7-7be9-44bb-969e-03e57142cc3d&triptype=rRoundTrip&origin=CMH&dest=CUN&depday=13&depmon=9&depyear=2008&retday=20&retmon=9&retyear=2008&adults=2&children=0&infants=0&seniors=0&subwebfaretype=1&isavailforpackages=False

[deerhunter_matt]

That link is busted, what were you looking at? Hey, what are you guys doing for the week before Cancun? What airline was Travelocity advertising at that price? Did you check the airline's price? I think right now, USA 3000 is your best bet, but you might find something else. If you need any help, let me know. I kinda like doing this stuff. I consider myself a "deal hunter." I probably saved us about $500 total on all our flights.

[bowhunter1023]

That link is busted, what were you looking at? Hey, what are you guys doing for the week before Cancun? What airline was Travelocity advertising at that price? Did you check the airline's price? I think right now, USA 3000 is your best bet, but you might find something else. If you need any help, let me know. I kinda like doing this stuff. I consider myself a "deal hunter." I probably saved us about $500 total on all our flights.

USA 3000. Round trip flights for both of us for $830 and change. We are just going to spend the week getting ready to roll and recover from the wedding. I got that price off of USA 3000's website. Keep your eyes open. Can you make suggestion on sunscreen and bathing suits as well?

[countyroad]

Can you make suggestion on sunscreen and bathing suits as well?

I can. Some people in Mexico wear neither! :idea:

[OhioHunter88]

Can you make suggestion on sunscreen and bathing suits as well?

Jesse, I personally think that you would look better in trunks:whistle:

[bowhunter1023]

Jesse, I personally think that you would look better in trunks:whistle:

What?!? No moobs! But I worked so hard on them! :D

[deerhunter_matt]

I was gonna suggest a nice SPF 50 with some Zinc Oxide for the nose, some of those geriatric sunglasses (you know, the ones with the wrap-around lenses that cover from the middle of your forehead to the tip of your nose) a nice hawaiian shirt, a pair of khaki slacks that ride low...right around belly-button level... oh, and sandals with socks... Skip the water, that's for them single yahoos. Just read a book on your veranda and go to bed every night at 7.


Yea, I think USA 3000 will be best, but keep looking, plan to book by March, that USA 3000 cost shouldn't change.

[deerhunter_matt]

Oh, and don't forget your wheels...


http://www.lakewoodconferences.com/direct/dbimage/50117894/4_wheel_Scooter_For_Old_People.jpg

[gf319804]

Why would anyone wanna go to Cancun, New Mexico anyway...

[bowhunter1023]

Why would anyone wanna go to Cancun, New Mexico anyway...

You know, it really wouldn't kill you to get out of Cutler. That trip to PA is gonna do you good. How's those beans treatin' you today?

[poorboyhuntin]

If you plan on going to any clubs or bars downtown at night,do not leave the main drag onto any side streets,drug dealers will emerge from every corner and shadow and approach you and ask you if you want to by drugs,some of the freakiest people i had ever seen,we all thought we were gonna get a shank in the back.And dont carry a wallet,stuff your money down the front of your pants if have to if you go out at night.The ruins are nice,but they will pretty much take up a whole day if you go on a tour,and it is hot as hell walking around all day in the sun.

[Cap't Ernie]

If you get a chance to barter and haggle over trinkets (outside of the direct resort stuff), do it.

There's nothing better than the feeling that you're getting a good deal when you pay $3 USD for a necklace they made for a handful of pennies. Take a lot one dollar bills and remember to start low, and ALWAYS walk away, they will chase you down the street and you will get the price you want.