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Things NOT to do in Cancun

You can find things you should do in Cancun all over the internet; take tours, go all-inclusive, don’t go all-inclusive, visit Chichen Itza, but what about the things you shouldn’t do? If you want to save a little money and have a great Mexican vacation, here are some suggestions for things you should not do in Cancun.

1. Don’t take a private taxi from the airport.

Regular street taxis are not allowed to enter the airport to look for fares, so the private taxi you take from the hotel will set you back about 60 U.S. Dollars. Oh my! You can take a collectivo (shared taxi) for about 15 U.S. Dollars per person. It may stop at a few hotels before yours to drop off other visitors, but what’s the hurry? You’re on vacation. In addition, it’s kind of fun to see other hotels that you might want to give a try on your next visit.

2. Don’t spend all your time in the pool.

The pool is nice, but look towards the east. You will see a white sand beach and that aqua blue water is the Caribbean Sea! It has a year round temperature between 78 and 84 degrees fahrenheit. You might get some salt in your hair, you might get some sand on your skin, but there is nothing like a dip in the ocean. If the sea is too rough in front of your hotel , walk down the beach and look for a calmer area.

3. Don’t over research and over plan.

You can research and you can plan, but if you schedule every moment of your vacation, you will be disappointed when plans have to be changed (and inevitably they will have to be changed) and you will miss out on the spontaneity that is the fun and exciting part of being on vacation.

4. Don’t overdo it.

When you’re on vacation it’s tempting to overindulge in the sun, the food and the drinks. However, do you really want a terrible sunburn? Heartburn? A hangover? These are things that can ruin days of your treasured vacation, so by all means, partake, but in moderation.

5. Don’t lose your tourist form

During your flight to Mexico you will receive an FM-T, a tourist immigration form, which you will need to fill out and present to Mexican immigration. They will return the bottom portion of the form to you. Keep it in your passport and don’t lose it. You will need it to exit the country and there is a hefty fine if you can’t present it at the airport.

Can you think of any other things to NOT do in Cancun?

About the Author

Kristin Busse is an American expat who has been living in Cancun, Mexico since 2001. A wife, mother, singer, salsa dancer and now writer, she has worked in many different industries but is currently enjoying exploring the Yucatan Peninsula and sharing her expertise and experience with readers around the world. Follow Kristin on Twitter.

Take a Celebration Vacation

When is the last time you went on vacation? The 90’s? Hopefully not! Maybe you feel you are too busy at work or don’t have enough money, but you probably actually cannot afford to not go on vacation. Vacations reduce stress, promote creativity, stave off burnout and strengthen bonds between you and your family and friends. Cancun, Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya are outstanding destinations where you can find adventure and history, or just sit back and relax. So find something to celebrate and go on vacation!

Birthday

Feliz cumpleaños! A vacation is the perfect way to celebrate a new year of your life! Hotels and restaurants love to help you celebrate, so whisper to your waiter or concierge that it’s your special day (or better yet have your partner or friend tell them) then sit back and wait for the candles, cake and singing.

Anniversary

Maybe you are about to celebrate dating for a year, or being married for twenty. Either way, a getaway is a great way to celebrate your anniversary. Escape your daily tasks and choose a romantic all inclusive beach resort in the Riviera Maya where you will have time to concentrate only on relaxing and having fun with your partner.

Friendship

Going on a vacation with friends is always fun. It’s a great way to celebrate a long time friendship or to get to know a new friend better. You will have a blast planning together and exchanging ideas. Or even better, travel with a large group of friends.

New Job

Congratulations! You are about to start a new job, or maybe even a new career. What better way to recharge than a vacation? Take a little time off between your previous and new job and jump start your work ethic and creativity.

New Family Member

Think you can’t travel with a baby? You might want to wait until they’re 6 months old, but after that, it’s very easy to travel with a little one, and what better way to strengthen family bonds than take a fun vacation together? Plus, the airline will gate check your stroller for you, you won’t have to pay for an extra ticket for your baby because he/she can sit on your lap, and most resorts provide portable cribs.

Photos by: mae.noelle, queenbeeofscrap, Bluebird_Becca, New Inspiration Home Design, mikepirnat

Can you think of any other reasons to take a celebration vacation?

About the Author

Kristin Busse is an American expat who has been living in Cancun, Mexico since 2001. A wife, mother, singer, salsa dancer and now writer, she has worked in many different industries but is currently enjoying exploring the Yucatan Peninsula and sharing her expertise and experience with readers around the world. Follow Kristin on Twitter.

Starlite Gala 2011

The second annual Starlite Gala was held on Saturday, August 6^th 2011 at the Villa Padierno Palace Hotel in Marbella, Spain. Co-hosts Eva Longoria and Antonio Banderas, along with other special-guest support and contribution, raised money to support various charities ranging from financially supporting terminally ill cancer patients to helping impoverished children in Mexico obtain education.

 

Among the special guests that attended, Yucatan Holidays CEO Erika Garcia and Yucatan Holidays representatives, Sherif Abd Rabbo, Paul Mattimoe and Gustavo Miranda were present. The Yucatan Holidays group auctioned off two vacation packages to the Riviera Maya which raised 16,000 euros for the event. Other well-known guests included philanthropist, Sandra Garcia Sanjuan, super model, Eugenia Silva, Jermaine Jackson of the Jackson Five and many more. Other items auctioned included a day on the set of Desperate Housewives with Eva Longoria, tickets to Rock in Rio and invitations to the Cannes Film Festival.

The foundations Niños en Alegría, The Eva Longoria Fund and Lagrimas y Favores, supported by Antonio Banderas, were the three charities represented at the event. The Eva Longoria Fund , founded by Ms. Longoria and located in San Antonio, Texas, was created to help children, teens and adults with developmental disabilities flourish in today’s society. Niños en Alegría supports impoverished children in a western region of Mexico and assists them in obtaining education. Lagrimas y Favores backed by Mr. Banderas and his wife, Melanie Griffin, is a non-profit organization that not only assists in financially supporting cancer patients but creates educational scholarships for the University of Malaga, Spain.

With plans already in themaking for Starlite Gala 2012, it is safe to say that this year’s event was a great success. After the auction, guest then celebrated early into the morning on Puro Beach whilst being accompanied by musical performances by Spanish female vocalist Marta Sanchez among others.

Fun Beach and Pool Games and Activities for Children of All Ages

 

Is there anything better than a beach vacation? Well maybe if you add a hotel with a pool in Cancun, Playa del Carmen or the Riviera Maya to the equation! Beaches and pools provide healthy fun for the whole family. Think about it, if you and your family are goofing around on the beach, there’s no chance of anyone getting hurt if they fall down. In addition, swimming is a great aerobic workout. So get out those bathing suit and towels (don’t forget the sunblock), head down to the beach or pool and enjoy some of these games and activities that are fun for the whole family.

How about a beach ball race?

The object of this game is for players to push a beach ball with their nose, while swimming, to the other end of the pool. The first player whose beach ball reaches the end of the pool wins.

Here’s another kind of beach ball race:

Players should remove their shoes and hold a beach ball between the knees. First one across the finish line wins! Try it in the sand.

 

Marco! Polo!

An oldie but goodie. One person whose eyes are kept closed shouts “Marco” and the other players respond with “Polo”. The person who can’t see then tries to tag one of the others. When he/she does, that person will be “it”.

Sand Games

Bury each other in the sand, dig a hole in the sand, play tic tac toe in the sand, build a sandcastle. Isn’t sand great?

Swim and Hunt for Treasures

Toss homemade objects that will sink, and are not sharp, into the pool. Have the players close their eyes, then scatter the objects around the pool. Count to three, have them open their eyes, and they must start diving for treasures. Whoever gets the most treasures wins.

 

 

Umbrella Racing?!

Place at least two closed umbrellas on the edge of the pool. Players take off from the edge of the pool farthest away from the umbrellas. After racing to the edge where the umbrellas are, each player grabs one and opens it. The open umbrella must be held above the surface of the water as the player swims back to the side where they started. First one there wins.

Jewelry?

Look for sea shells and stones that have a natural hole in them. When you get home you can make jewelry out of them with just a chain or a leather strap. It will make a great memento from your trip.

And don’t forget about these classic fun activities: beach or pool volleyball, kite flying or Frisbee.

 

 

Did we miss any?

About the Author

Kristin Busse is an American expat who has been living in Cancun, Mexico since 2001. A wife, mother, singer, salsa dancer and now writer, she has worked in many different industries but is currently enjoying exploring the Yucatan Peninsula and sharing her expertise and experience with readers around the world. Follow Kristin on Twitter.

 

See under the Sea

If you are planning a trip to Cancun, Playa del Carmen or the Riviera Maya, surely one of the reasons you chose this area was because of the aqua blue waters of the beautiful Caribbean Sea, and you would probably like to experience the coral reefs, fish, sharks, and other marine life that live below the surface of the ocean. Whether you are traveling with young children, elderly relatives, or anyone in between, there are many different ways to witness life under the sea in the Mexican Caribbean.

Diving

Scuba diving is probably the best way to experience marine life. However it is also the most complicated due to the equipment and certification that are required. That being said, even if you are not certified in diving, you can rent equipment and obtain short term certification which will be valid for the duration of your visit.

Snorkeling

Snorkeling requires less equipment than diving and no training. Just put a mask on your face, fins on your feet and a snorkel in your mouth. If you are not a skilled swimmer, you can wear a life vest and float leisurely right on the surface of the water. From this perspective you will have a bird’s eye view of all of the ocean’s inhabitants below.

Submarine

In Cancun, Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya there are many ways to venture under the sea without ever having to get wet, including submarines and glass bottomed boats. This option is perfect for families of small children who are not yet ready to dive or snorkel.  They will still be able to experience the sea’s wonders, including colorful coral reefs, turtles, stingrays and sand sharks.

B.O.B

B.O.B. or Breathing Observation Bubble is an underwater scooter or mini submarine which is very easy to operate. The passenger’s head is in a large air helmet while the rest of the body is exposed to the warm ocean water. This experience could be compared to diving, however you will only need to fill out a medical form and receive 10 minutes of instruction.

Aquarium

Even if you don’t want to go anywhere near the ocean, you can still witness the Caribbean’s many wonders at Cancun’s Interactive Aquarium, located in La Isla shopping mall. Swim with a dolphin, feed a shark, and see and sometimes even touch jellyfish, moray eels, seahorses and many different species of tropical fish.

*It is important that we always follow instructions and regulations that are created to protect our environment such as using biodegradable sunblock.

Y.H. would like to thank Alec Saunders, Gate-Way, and Johnny Lang for their beautiful photos.

What is your favorite way to experience life under the sea?

About the Author

Kristin Busse is an American expat who has been living in Cancun, Mexico since 2001. A wife, mother, singer, salsa dancer and now writer, she has worked in many different industries but is currently enjoying exploring the Yucatan Peninsula and sharing her expertise and experience with readers around the world. Follow Kristin on Twitter.

 

Why I need a vacation

So you want to come to Cancun? Let us all decide that.

You have to name 3 reasons why you think you should come to Cancun.

The one with more “Likes” will be the winner.

As simple as that.

Be creative and good luck!

Restrictions:

• •You have 5 days / 4 nights of hotel accommodation in Cancun (not all inclusive accommodation) for 2 adults and up to two kids (under 12 years old)




• •You can use your e-certificate for 18 months and there are no black out dates.




• •You must be at least 25 years old to claim the prize. If you are not 25 years old, you still can use it, but must travel with someone this age. The certificate is transferable.




• •You’ll ONLY have to pay an activation fee for the e-certificate of $69 USD.
  
  

The Perfect Day in Cancun: A Photo Essay

What would your perfect day in Cancun be like? We think it might go something like this…

After sleeping in, a late breakfast, or better yet, a delicious Mexican brunch, and maybe a mimosa.

Next, let’s head to the beach as the morning sun rises towards it’s peak.

That’s enough relaxing…how about parasailing?

Hungry again. How does ceviche and cerveza on the beach sound?

More sunbathing, now how about a dip in the pool?

After a lovely massage…

the sun is setting…

so that must mean it’s time for a romantic candlelight dinner.

Then, dance the night away!

What would your perfect day in Cancun consist of?

(Y.H. would like to thank these lovely folks for sharing their perfect vacation photos: knightbefore_99, Tran’s World Productions, suraark, dalydose, kimfaul, braewick, Flodigrip’s_world)

About the Author

Kristin Busse is an American expat who has been living in Cancun, Mexico since 2001. A wife, mother, singer, salsa dancer and now writer, she has worked in many different industries but is currently enjoying exploring the Yucatan Peninsula and sharing her expertise and experience with readers around the world. Follow Kristin on Twitter.

Find the “Real” Mexico in Parque las Palapas

Just a short ride from Cancun’s Hotel Zone with its white sand beaches and aqua blue water is a somewhat typical Mexican city where Cancunenses (the name for residents) go about their daily routine of work, family and hopefully now and then a little fun. In most Mexican towns the main square, Plaza Principal or Zócalo in Spanish, is the center of social life, church, and sometimes even work. Cancun is no exception. Downtown Cancun’s main square is called Parque de las Palapas, or Palapas Park, named for its original design which included a large stage and small restaurant stalls and tables shaded by palapas, thatched roofs made from dried woven palm leaves.

Parque de las Palapas was recently redone and now has a more modern feel. The palapas have been replaced by sleek white tarps and the pavement has been redone as well. Electric lines have been hidden underground and new benches have been installed. Charming wooden carts where vendors sell their handicrafts surround the stage area. Facing the stage, food carts with bright marquee lights sell churros (fried dough treats), platanos fritos (fried bananas), marquesitas (crunchy stuffed wafers) and papas fritas (french fries). The restaurant stalls sell tacos, tortas (Mexican sandwiches), tostadas, quesadillas, aguas naturales (natural drinks similar to juice) and many other Mexican culinary delights at very economical prices.

Mexican town squares also normally include a church, as does Las Palapas (the park’s nickname). Iglesia de Cristo Rey was the very first Catholic church in Cancun. The park also features plenty of entertaining activities to watch and participate in. There is an enclosed playground area, electric cars for the little ones to drive (they even have remote controlled cars for younger children), a small carousel, and shows and traditional dancing on the weekends. Many events and festivals are also held in the park.

There are two smaller parks attached to Las Palapas; Parque Los Artesanos and Jardín del Arte. Young bohemian artists hang-out in Parque Los Artesanos on the weekends and participate in bongo drum jams and sell their funky wares and crafts that serve as the perfect souvenirs. Jardín del Arte is a venue for art exhibitions.

If you are visiting Cancun and would like to escape the Hotel Zone for an evening, visit Parque de las Palapas, grab a bench and immerse yourself in traditional Mexico.

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About the Author

Kristin Busse is an American expat who has been living in Cancun, Mexico since 2001. A wife, mother, singer, salsa dancer and now writer, she has worked in many different industries but is currently enjoying exploring the Yucatan Peninsula and sharing her expertise and experience with readers around the world. Follow Kristin on Twitter.

Photos by JunBelen.

5 Summer Adventures in the Mexican Caribbean

Summer is here in Cancun, Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya, and with it comes the opportunity for visitors to challenge themselves with exciting local activities. The Mexican Caribbean is not only home to white sand beaches and aqua blue water, but it is also quickly becoming known for adventure travel.

1. Bungie Jumping

Bungie Jumping in Cancun is back, recently reopened at Playa Tortugas in the Hotel Zone. Step off the platform and drop into, but not exactly into, the Caribbean. We suggest taking advantage of this activity before you start drinking tequila.

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2. Parasailing

Take a stroll down the beach in front of your hotel, and you will quickly find an opportunity to parasail. Soar over the Caribbean Sea, admire the different shades of blue, and get a bird’s eye view of the Hotel Zone and Nichupte Lagoon. It feels like flying!

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3. Sky Diving

Can you handle it? Jump out of an airplane from 10,000 feet over Playa del Carmen. This is the ultimate adventure challenge. Jump with a guide or take a course and learn to jump solo. We ask again…can you handle it?

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4. Swimming with the Whale Sharks

This experience is an unbelievably rare opportunity to become one with nature. Jump into the crystal clear blue water and swim with the world’s largest fish. These gentle giants of the sea are no danger to humans as they feed on plankton that they strain from the water._

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5. Ziplining

Flying above the jungle canopy your ears will fill with the sounds of rushing wind and the steady hum of the zipline. This exciting activity is for the whole family (normally kids must be at least six years old) and the memories will last a lifetime.

Adventure awaits you in the Mexican Caribbean!

Which of these activities have you done? Will you do any of them on your next visit to Mexico?

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About the Author

Kristin Busse is an American expat who has been living in Cancun, Mexico since 2001. A wife, mother, singer, salsa dancer and now writer, she has worked in many different industries but is currently enjoying exploring the Yucatan Peninsula and sharing her expertise and experience with readers around the world. Follow Kristin on Twitter.

5 Things to do on a Rainy Day in Cancun

You’re on vacation in Cancun, Mexico. You leisurely roll out of bed, open the curtains and…uh-oh, it’s raining. Yes, it’s a little disappointing, but don’t worry, there are many things to do while on vacation in Cancun, even if it’s raining. Think of this as a chance to give your red skin a break from the sun, and to do something different.

1. Hit the Casino

Cancun is now home to three casinos. The Playboy Club is located in the Hotel Zone and Dubai and PlayCity are located downtown. Maybe the Mayan rain god Chaac will bring you luck and your winnings will cover the cost of your entire vacation!

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2. Go Shopping

If you are from a smaller town or city, the shopping in Cancun will thrill you. Boasting some of the most exclusive shops and brands in the world, Luxury Avenue in Plaza Kukulkan will force you to choose between a Burberry and a Coach bag. Or visit Plaza La Isla for a sampling of shops and brands from around the globe.

3. Attend a Tequila Tasting

Attend a tequila tasting presentation at a restaurant (La Destileria), a hotel, (The Ritz Carlton) or at the tequila museum (Tequila Herradura Sensorial Museo). Discover all there is to know about this traditional Mexican liquor. You’ll forget all about the rain.

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4. Learn About the Area at the Museum

The Museum of Archeology and History (Museo de Antropologia y Historia) displays more than 800 items dating back to the Postclassical period (1200 AD to 1500 AD). The artifacts were found at various Mayan ruin sites in the Yucatan Peninsula. The museum is located on the south side of the Convention Center in the Hotel Zone.

5. Chill out at the VIP Movie Theater

You’re thinking that you can go to the movies at home, but do you have a VIP theater in your hometown? The VIP movie theater at Plaza Las Americas is a cinema lover’s dream. Relax in an air-conditioned theater with an extra large screen in a cushy reclining seat. Order crepes, sushi or a baguette and a beer from your waiter, yes waiter.

As you can see, there’s no reason to let a little rain get you down. Do one of these fun activities today. You know what they say, the sun will come out tomorrow!

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About the Author

Kristin Busse is an American expat who has been living in Cancun, Mexico since 2001. A wife, mother, singer, salsa dancer and now writer, she has worked in many different industries but is currently enjoying exploring the Yucatan Peninsula and sharing her expertise and experience with readers around the world. Follow Kristin on Twitter.