TRAVEL TIPS |
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A tip you should remember about ordering tacos in Playa del Carmen: Mexican tacos are very different than the ones we are used to in the U.S. They typically come with nothing but beef and onion and taste a little bland. If you ask them for cheese, they will likely give you a funny look, but explain to them that you like American-style tacos "con queso", and you'll eventually get your way! Also, very few restaurants in Playa know what sour cream is. We attempted to order sour cream with our tacos here, and the spanish-speaking waiter got very flustered trying to explain to us that they didn't have milk! |
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High season in Playa falls between November and April and it is during this time that travel costs will be highest. The most popular and expensive dates fall around Chrristmas, New Years, Easter Weekend, and Spring Break. If you can plan your travel around these dates, you can save a significant amount of money on your trip. |
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Long-distance dialing is a huge source of income for the Mexican economy. They know that US tourists have spent thousands of dollars to come there and generally have other things on their minds once they arrive. Consequently, few people ever stop to consider just how much that phone call back home is going to cost them. Don't come home just to find out you've unexpectedly run up hundreds of dollars in telephone bills. Instead, read this guide and learn everything you need to know to keep your calling expenses under control. |
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The Yucatan peninsula has the unusual feature of resting on a bed of limestone. Over the centuries, as rainfall was absorbed into the ground, it created subterranean caverns filled with fresh water pools. Sometimes the “roof” of these caverns collapses in, leaving the pool open to the sky and creating a fresh water swimming hole in the jungle. These pools, known as cenotes (pronounced: say- no-tays) are a popular tourist attraction and offer a place a unique natural beauty to be enjoyed by visitors and locals alike. In the Yucatan today there are over 3,000 cenotes, with only about 1,400 of them actually studied and registered. Many of these cenotes are easily accessible to the public. Most are privately owned and there is a minimal fee (up to $10 US per person) for admission. In addition, many “adventure” or eco-tours offer cenote trips. The cenotes listed here are some of our own favorites. |
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For many Americans, the question of where to find authentic Cuban cigars comes up at least once during their Playa trip. This primer will separate you from the crowd of tourists who get ripped off buying fake Cohibas on 5th Avenida. |
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Here's what you need to know about crossing the border into Mexico. |
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First, the good news - most people in Playa speak English. However, it certainly won't hurt to know some Spanish. Not only will it will help you get around, it will reinforce the good feeling that you are no longer at home ... you are in an exotic locale! Learn the basics here... |
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Not sure what to wear in Playa? This quick guide will enlighten you. |
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If you are traveling to Playa del Carmen, you will likely land at Cancun International Airport (airport code: CUN). Once you arrive, there are several options for ground transportation to Playa del Carmen, which is approximately 35 km south of the Cancun airport. |
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Chances are, you won't care much for surfing the internet while vacationing in Playa del Carmen. However, you just may need to get online at some point during your vacation, either to check email or change travel plans. You'll probably run into a little trouble with this... internet access isn't as readily available here as it tends to be in the United States. Here's what you need to know about internet access before coming to Playa... |
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Generally, Playa del Carmen is a very safe city. The tourist areas are well patrolled by police and the locals are friendly. Most safety tips are common sense to follow any time you travel. |
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A journey to a foreign country for most people is 80% preparation and 20% vacation. Planning the perfect trip requires a bit of mental elbow grease and a lot of time finding resources, looking up information, and managing logistics. In the end the work you do before you go pays off in spades both in the experience you’ll have as well as the potential savings to your checkbook. Whether you already have a good idea of where you want to stay, or whether you’re one of the few who are starting from scratch with nothing more than the idea of visiting Mexico, you’re in luck. We’ve brought together reams of relevant information for you, including this guide to saving money on hotel bookings written by a former travel industry executive. |
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Nightlife in Playa begins in the early evening after the afternoon heat breaks. Unlike Cancun, you'll be able to wander around town and easily find places with great music, incredible food, good friends, and even dancing. You generally won't find crazy spring-break style partying in Playa. Instead, most places tend to be a bit more laid back but there are places where you can party like a rock star until 6am. Find out where in this insider article. |
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Traveling is exciting but there are a multitude of details to get right. There are hundreds of things to remember and overlooking even one can mean hassles and frustrations. So while you're counting down the days to your trip, here's a handy article to help you get ready for the beach. |
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Despite Playa del Carmen's growing popularity, it remains relatively unknown in comparison to nearby Cancun (perhaps thankfully so). However, this obscurity makes it difficult for tourists to get reliable information as the mainstream travel guides have yet to give this area its proper due. We review five well-known guide books to see just how good they really are. |
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Chances are, your trip to Playa may be one of the best vacations you ever take. The Mayan Riviera is a paradise that can't be compared to most destinations and most people will want to capture some of their unforgettable experiences on film to look back on in the years to come. This guide is intended to provide you with tips for either taking your own photos, or if you want to make your trip really special, the things you should know before having your photos professionally taken. |
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Playa is a fun town, and there is no shortage of shops in its downtown area! There are many bright and attractive stores that will catch your attention and make you open your wallet. How do you choose which place to go? How and when do you haggle? Read this article and prepare to be handsomely rewarded for your effort! |
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Playa Del Camen has a number of all-inclusive resorts, but they vary greatly in quality and price. There are also many smaller hotels located in the downtown area to choose from. These are less expensive, but more is left up to the traveller. Here are the things you should consider when choosing between an AI and a hotel. |
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For those who want something more active from their vacation than relaxation on the beach, Playa Del Carmen has much to offer. Its calm, turquoise waters are perfect for swimming, kite surfing, windsurfing and snorkeling. Along the coastline there are a number of immense coral reefs teeming with an abundance of colorful marine life. The many dive shops along the beach will provide you with whatever equipment you need for various sorts of dive expeditions. |
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Travel Insurance is an inexpensive service you can purchase that protects you against trip interruptions, cancellation fees, lost luggage, unexpected medical expenses and more. Learn what it is and a strategy you can use with it to save 30% or more on your vacation costs. |
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Long days on the beach, a jungle tour, or simply a long night out with friends and family can ftake it out of you. This guide is for those of you who like to recuperate with the aid of yoga. |
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