Articles with the theme cancun vacation
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.
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.
____________________
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!
____________________
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?
____________________
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._
___________________
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?
_____________________
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!
__________
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.
_________________________
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!
_____________________
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.
Welcome to the Longest Day of the Year!
Here in the Northern Hemisphere, summer begins today, June 21, 2011. The summer or June solstice has arrived and this means that today is the longest day of the year. In the Southern Hemisphere the opposite is true. It is the first day of winter and the shortest day of the year.
At the precise moment that the summer solstice occurs, the sun will reach it’s farthest point north from the celestial equator and will appear to be shining directly overhead at a point on the Tropic of Cancer (latitude 23.5 degrees north).
Summer Solstice gets its name from the Latin for sol (sun) and sistere (to stand still) and north of the Arctic Circle, the sun remains above the horizon for 24 hours. You know what that means…it’s sunny at night!
In Northern Europe the summer solstice, also known as Midsummer, recalls ancient traditions. The Stonehenge monument in England was constructed so that observers standing inside and facing northeast can watch the sun rise directly above the Heel Stone or Sun Stone at summer solstice. Summer solstice festivals are held in some U.S. cities, such as Santa Barbara, CA and New York City. In Mexico and Central and South America Mayans still follow their ancestor’s traditions by holding ceremonies to balance the energy of the earth and to ask for abundant crops.
However, it’s all downhill from here, starting now every day gets shorter until we reach the winter solstice on December 22, 2011 at 6:12 A.M. EST.
Make the most of this year’s longest day!
_____________________
_____________________
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.
Where are the public beaches in Cancun?
Driving or riding through the hotel zone, it may seem as if there aren’t any public beaches, when actually, all beaches in Cancun are public, as they are owned by the Mexican government. There are 10 public access points in the hotel zone, and once you are on the beach, you may walk as far as you would like, and swim and relax wherever you would like.
Cancun’s hotel zone is shaped like a 7. These first six beaches are located on the top or northern part of the 7. They are facing Isla Mujeres (Island of the Women) so they are protected and tend to have calmer, shallower waters and narrower beaches.
Playa Las Perlas Km. 2.5
The entrance is well marked and there is public parking.
Playa Juventud Km. 3
Enter next to the deserted Villa Juveniles youth hostel.
Playa Linda Km. 4
Enter near the ferry dock.
Playa Langosta Km. 5
The entrance is well marked and there is public parking.
Playa Tortugas Km. 6.5
Public entrance located next to the Oxxo.
Playa Caracol/Las Palmas Km. 7.5
Enter next to the Fiesta American Coral Beach or through the Xcaret bus terminal.
The following beaches are on the side of the seven, or along the eastern coastline. They tend to have deeper, rougher waters and amazing wide beaches.
Playa Chac-Mool Km. 10
Public entrance across from Señor Frogs.
Playa Marlin Km. 13
Public entrance behind Plaza Kulkucán
Playa Ballenas Km. 14
Public entrance next to the Cancun Palace.
____________
Playa Delfines Km. 20
Undeniably the most beautiful beach in the hotel zone.
No hotels, no restaurants, only a beautiful white sand beach and turquoise blue water.
Notable beaches without public access:
Yamil Lu’um Km. 12.5
There are two ancient Mayan structures here thought to have been a temple and a lighthouse tower. Since the only entrance from the street is through the Park Royal, walk north from Playa Marlin.
San Miguelito Km. 16.5
This beach is also home to a small archaeological site.
____________
Playa Gaviota Azul Km. 18
This beach is located behind Plaza Forum.
Playa Punta Nizuc Km.21
The entrance is between Club Med and the Westin Regina.
Tell us! Which Cancun beach is your favorite? Why?
_____________________
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.
Hurricane Season in Cancun: What You Should Know
It’s that time again folks. Hurricane season in the Caribbean will begin in less than a month on June 1, 2011, and will continue through November 30, 2011. It is possible for Tropical cyclones to form before or after the official season, depending on ocean temperatures. The water must be at least 80 degrees Fahrenheit for a hurricane to form, so if this happens before June or after November a hurricane could occur outside of the season.
For the people living in Cancun, Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya, tropical cyclones are a fact of life, just like tornados or earthquakes are for people living in other places. However, they may seem frightening and daunting if you are planning a vacation, but if you are well informed about hurricane season you will be able to make good decisions about your trip.
August, September and October are considered to be the peak months for hurricanes, which coincides with low tourism season, when airfare and hotel prices are lower, so it’s actually a great time to visit the area. Generally if you visit during tropical cyclone season everything will go smoothly. The weather will be fine, albeit maybe a bit hotter than in let’s say, January. It may rain a little more often, but this generally means that there is a quick downpour once or twice a day and the rest of the time the sun is shining.
The Yucatan Peninsula, which is home to Cancun, Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya, has experienced many tropical storms/depressions and hurricane watches/warnings, but Cancun was “born” in 1970, and only 4 hurricanes have made landfall in 41 years. That is pretty encouraging news. If you visit from June through November, chances are you probably won’t run into any hurricanes.
These are the 4 hurricanes which have actually made landfall in Cancun:
Inez (October, 1968) – Category 4
Gilbert (September, 1988) - Category 5
Roxanne (October, 1995) – Category 3
Wilma (October, 2005) – Category 5
If you would like to monitor the weather in the weeks leading up to you vacation, here are 3 helpful websites: National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Weather.Com & Weather Underground.
Of course, there is always the possibility that a tropical cyclone could occur before or during your vacation so it is a good idea to buy trip insurance. If a hurricane should threaten the area during your vacation, rest assured that your hotel or resort has an emergency plan for its guests and employees. The good thing about hurricanes is they don’t just pop up, they need time to organize so there is always plenty of warning. So by all means, go ahead and plan your vacation!
Have you ever experienced a hurricane while on vacation?
_______________________
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.
What Not to Do on Your Next Mexican Vacation
You will find a lot of web pages here on the internet listing things you should do while visiting Cancun, the Riviera Maya and Playa del Carmen, but what about the things you shouldn’t do? Don’t worry, we’re here to provide you with that list.
1) Don’t blame the ice for your, eh-hem, stomach issues.
The ice is made with purified water. Yes, even downtown. Do realize that the fifteen beers and huge plate of nachos with extra jalapeños that you consumed yesterday may be causing your issues. The two shots of tequila didn’t help either.
2) Don’t yell “Alto!” at the bus driver when you want him to stop just because that’s what it says on the stop signs.
That isn’t how you say “Stop!” in Spanish. Do tell the bus driver what your destination is when you board or use the bell to indicate you would like to get off at the next stop. It’s a little more civilized and this way the locals won’t giggle at you.
3) Don’t fall asleep on the beach when you are lying in the sun.
Sometimes it doesn’t feel like it because of the cool ocean breeze, but the sun here is very strong. Do fall asleep in the shade. Wake-up well rested and not sunburned.
4) Don’t go swimming, especially in the ocean, when you are intoxicated.
One word: Dangerous. Do go swimming, especially in the ocean, when you are sober. One word: Amazing.
5) Don’t be frustrated if someone doesn’t understand you or speak English. You’re in a country where English is not the first language. Do have fun and try to practice your Spanish. The locals love it when you try and they don’t mind if you make mistakes.
6) Don’t pay the first quoted price for souvenirs in the flea market. They are highballing. Do haggle. Then pretend to walk away when you are almost to the price you want to pay.
7) Don’t buy drugs. Can’t you wait until you get home? You probably shouldn’t be doing them in the first place. Do stay away from any and all illegal activities. The legal system here is based on the Napoleonic Code…guilty until proven innocent. Need we say more?
Don’t get so drunk that you don’t know what’s going on. You probably shouldn’t do this anywhere, but it is even more relevant when you are visiting an unfamiliar place. Do drink and be merry. You can still drink, but remember, it’s a marathon, not a sprint.
_________________________
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.
An Afternoon in Akumal, the Tranquil Turtle Town
Akumal is a small beachfront tourist resort located in the Mexican Caribbean 62 miles south of Cancun between Playa del Carmen and Tulum. It is the perfect place to visit for the day and experience a different side of the Riviera Maya. It was officially founded in 1958 as a community for scuba divers. It doesn’t seem to have changed much since then. Akumal means “place of the turtles” in the Mayan language. This name suits this tranquil town perfectly.
Akumal Beach
If you snorkel out off of Akumal Beach about 200 yards into Akumal Bay, you can watch sea turtles snacking on sea grass. If you visit during nesting season, late April to October, you will find the turtles laying eggs on the beaches at night. From June to November, hatching season, you may spot baby turtles instinctively make their way back to the sea.
Yal-Ku Lagoon
Yal-Ku, a natural lagoon located about 10 minutes from downtown is a must-see. There is a cover charge of 110 pesos (less than 10 U.S. Dollars) and the lagoon is worth every penny. Go snorkeling (they have equipment for rent) or just swim in the cool waters of the natural limestone lagoon. The waters are calm even when the sea is rough. The lagoon is spring fed by underground rivers and this fresh water mixes with salt water from the ocean. After you’ve cooled off in the lagoon, there are showers and restrooms close to the entrance. There is also a rustic snack stand. Don’t miss the paths that wind around the edge of the lagoon where traditional and contemporary sculptures rest in the lush green jungle vegetation. The setting is peaceful, picturesque and relaxed.
Downtown Akumal
Before you head back to your hotel or resort, take a stroll around downtown. Be careful though, you might miss it or wonder if you actually are downtown, as it consists only of a supermarket, a few restaurants, and a couple of shops that sell Mexican handicrafts. Look for the small stand that sells homemade ice cream.
An afternoon in Akumal will leave you feeling relaxed yet exhilarated about all the little discoveries you made on this unforgettable day.
Check out some other pictures of Akumal:
_____________________
About the Author
Kristin Busse is currently a travel writer but has worked in many different industries. She lives in Cancun, Mexico and plans to use her diverse experiences to write about the Yucatan Peninsula from her unique perspective. Follow Kristin on Twitter.
Donate, Volunteer, Give Back while Vacationing in Mexico
Have you ever wondered what you can do to help the people who live in the places where you vacation? Maybe while visiting non-tourist areas you have noticed that some of the locals could use some support. Of course you want your vacation to be relaxing and fun, but you can make it meaningful too. Here are some organizations in Cancun, Cozumel and Isla Mujeres that need a helping hand.
This non-profit organization was started by expats and is modeled after the “Toys for Tots” program. Their goal is to improve the lives of less fortunate children in Cancun. The items they request (mostly toys and school supplies) and the drop-off points are well explained on their website and you can also read about your donations being distributed to the overjoyed niños there. If this doesn’t warm your heart, nothing will!
“The City of Joy” is just that, a small city or complex of homes and centers which care for the disadvantaged and vulnerable. They help more than 20,000 impoverished and underprivileged people each year. They are located on the outskirts of Cancun. Their website features a great video (be warned it might bring tears to your eyes) which explains all of their programs and you can also find out how to donate, or even volunteer there.
You may shed a few tears when you view their PowerPoint movie presentation. This is the only school for children with special needs and learning disabilities on Isla Mujeres, a small island off the coast of Cancun, and it depends solely on donations. They are only open 4 hours a day due to lack of funding. Admission for the children is free. This part of their mission statement says it all…everyone deserves a childhood, even if they appear to be different.
“The Little House” reaches out to victims of extreme abuse and exploitation. They provide full time education, all basic health services, legal protection and a nurturing caring home to over 100 children and young girls. They are also actively involved in trying to change state laws to toughen sentences for offenses such as molestation, rape, exploitation and corruption of minors. On their website you will find the various ways to donate and a list of the basic needs of La Casita. There are videos here too, so once again, get the tissue out.
Actually a dive shop on Cozumel, an island off the coast of Playa del Carmen, Dive with Martin will give you one free tank dive in exchange for one grocery size bag of clean gently used or new clothes. They lost their fearless leader Martin a few years back, but this small business is still going strong. The clothes and shoes will go to needy families on Cozumel.
____________________________________
As you can see, even if you don’t want to spend your entire stay giving back, a little effort can go a long way and can add a special touch to your vacation. Stay tuned for our post on how to help stray and rescued animals in Cancun, Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya.
_________________
About the Author
Kristin Busse is currently a travel writer but has worked in many different industries. She lives in Cancun, Mexico and plans to use her diverse experiences to write about the Yucatan Peninsula from her unique perspective.
Weekend Contest | Yucatan Holidays
Hello guys!
Things have change a bit since I recently read that the kind of giveaways we had each week over our Facebook page, were against Facebook’s promotions guidelines. But, since we won’t stop with the contests, we are finding out different ways to have them without breaking the rules!
For this giveaway, you’ll need to read carefully & surf around our blog to find the answers to the following questions. Also remember you must LIKE (& TWEET if you have an account) each post! TIP: Read all the questions first, may be easier for you!
Ready? GO!
1) What event is ending today, March 12th in Playa del Carmen? Who is sponsoring? (You may find the answer here)
2) Click on the “Follow us on Twitter” button in the right side of the blog & look for our latest tweets (not necessarily the last one), you’ll find the second question there & where to find the answer.
3) Now that you have the 2 correct answers in the comments area below this post (use the same name you use on Facebook!) Go back to our Facebook wall and share a post in there saying: “I really want to win one of the Cancun vacations that Yucatan Holidays is giving away”
If you answered the 2 questions correctly, Liked the posts and shared on our wall the legend mentioned above, you’ll be entering to the sweepstakes! The contest will be open through Monday , March 14th at 12 pm (CST) so tell your friends to join too!
We have 3 Cancun vacation prizes (5 days of hotel accommodations for 2 adults & 2 kids!) & the winners will be picked randomly and announced on our wall!
Good luck to you all!
Jorge
Search
Social Media Connections
