'Lessons Learned' are very important at work. So, in similar fashion, I thought it would be beneficial to compile a short list of advice, recommendations, and dos and donts after each one of my trips. This particular list is by no means comprehensive, but I hope it helps any of you looking to plan a trip to Playa Del Carmen or the Riviera Maya region of Mexico.
1. Do your research
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| The map in our travel booklet |
One of our most helpful planning items (even though Sydne made fun of me for it) was a small travel booklet I made. It had a large picture of a map of Downtown PDC that was invaluable when we were trying to navigate our way around the 5th Avenue area. Also in the booklet were addresses of restaurants and sites we wanted to see. How do you think we got to Ah Cacao? :) For those not as over-ambitious as myself, a small pad of your notes will do just fine. But trust me, the map was useful.
2. Book your tours online
Yes, it sort of nails you down into a time and date, but you will be able to shop around for the best prices and compare reviews. Most places will let you pay using your bank account to avoid international credit card fees. I'm still kicking myself for not booking the snorkel tour online...
3. Make dinner reservations by e-mail
At most resorts, you receive a limited number of specialty dinner reservations. These are reservations to different sit-down, plated restaurants (Japanese and Mediterranean were our 2). From past trips I've learned that booking these reservations should be the first thing you do when you get to the resort. But even then sometimes you're too late. There are usually only 1-2 seatings per nights and they fill up quick. Trying e-mailing your resort and seeing if you can book early. An Iberostar rep sent us some information about each restaurant and quickly processed our reservations via e-mail. She did say "we usually don't do this," but I'm not sure if that was true, and it's always worth a try! Do print out an e-mail confirmation from the resort and double-check your reservations when you arrive.
4. Buy some biodegradable sunscreen
...And buy it in the US where it will be much cheaper. Especially if you have fair skin, this will be an essential for snorkeling in the preserved reefs.
5. Inquire about resort transportation downtown
Taxis can be expensive, and I have a suspicion they are even more so for tourists. Unless your Spanish is great and you can figure out public transportation, talk to your resort about what options they have for going into Downtown PDC. We were about ~25-30 minutes from 5th Avenue, which was a $25 cab ride each way. The resort option was only $5.
6. Life is cheaper in pesos
A few pieces of advice here. PDC can be touristy, and a lot of places take USD. But paying in pesos is cheaper because most places do an easy 10 for 1 conversion (instead of the 12.9 for 1). For example, the one way cab ride was either $25 or 250 pesos. Well, 250 pesos is currently right around $19-20, so save a few bucks and pay in pesos.
On that note, look up the exchange rate before your trip, and make sure you are getting a good deal. Our resort had a terrible exchange rate. We saw rates way higher at the airport and in little shops downtown. When you exchange money, don't exchange too much. Sydne ended up losing some money when exchanging from pesos back to USD at the airport. If you make sure you have enough cash on you (remember credit cards/ATMs charge international fees), you can always exchange more later if you run out.
Finally, have small pesos for tips. It is not required, but strongly suggested that you tip for bus transportation, tours, and excursions.
7. Barter, barter, barter!
This goes without saying. Negotiate a good price whenever your buying something from a vendor. Most speak English, but it may help to learn basic phrases like "Cuanto cuesta?" (How much?) and to have a basic understanding of Spanish numbers. A bartering example...I loved this glittery calavera I saw downtown one night. The saleslady was asking 350 pesos. No way. As I walked away she got all the way down to less than 100 pesos. I didn't end up buying it, but that just goes to show how places can try to rip you off.
8. Don't be fooled by duty-free airport goods
The Cancun airport looks like a beautiful mall. Don't be fooled. The "duty-free" alcohol is not super discounted. You'll find way better prices buying in a convenient store or a Walmart (seriously). Just make sure to cushion it properly in your suitcase since you won't be able to carry it on the plane.
9. Cutoff the technology
...Or try to at least. At our resort, there wasn't free WiFi. At first I thought this was a pain, but it ended up being really nice to get away from e-mails, texts, etc. for a week. If your resort doesn't have WiFi, it's going to be expensive to purchase. Instead, utilize free WiFi where you can find it. We brought our phones with us both times we went downtown, and stopped in a Starbucks to catch up on things and FaceTime with our parents.
10. Break out of your comfort zone
Make it a point to venture out of the resort. Yes, everything there is "paid for," but there is so much to see in Mexico! And you don't have to head all the way out to Chichen Itza. The Maya ruins in Tulum, snorkeling with sea turtles in Akumal, and riding bikes in Cozumel are all nearby trips.
Finally, get involved with the activities at the resort. Make new friends! The Star Friends kept telling everybody, "Don't be shy! No one knows you!" Even though I'm pretty sure everyone knew Sydne and I by the second day of the trip, you get the point...
Next stop, Taipei! If any of you have ever been, advice would be appreciated :)
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