Mex Tex

Sadly, I have one of those milestone birthdays coming up soon, the Big Five-O, and want to do something special. I've never been to Mexico and think this might be the time. On the one hand I don't want to be thrown into the middle of party central, but yet I don't want to be bored to tears either. So with that in mind, what would be better for me, to stay in Cancun and day trip over to Isla Mujeres, or stay on the Island and take a day trip or 2 over to Cancun? Time-wise I'm looking at about 6 days, and vibe-wise I'm looking for nice beaches, cozy restaurants, with a bit of excitement thrown in. What's the quality of the restaurants on Isla Mujeres, and are there quiet, scenic places to go for an evening "nightcap"? Is it safe? If I stayed in Cancun would I be better off going the all-inclusive route?

Susan

Congrats on your upcoming birthday!! I agree that you have to do something special. I celebrated mine last August (same one) with my twin sister who lives in Calgary. We had a fabulous spa day. <BR><BR>Personally I don't like Cancun. I've been to Isla Mujeres - we were there a few years ago - and we're going back next week. So I'll have more up to date information after that. I can tell you that it's safe to go on your own and there's some very nice restaurants over there. You might want to check out www.isla-mujeres.net - there is a very active forum there. <BR><BR>Another possibility is Playa del Carmen. More lively than Isla Mujeres, but more low key than Cancun. I've been there a few times and always enjoy it. <BR><BR>Good luck planning!

Mex Tex

Thanks Susan! Let me know how it is.

D motl

Would recommend IM over Cancun. If you e-mail we will send you our 26 page brouchure on IM that also has some insights on Cancun Dan and Ginny

Laura

I will be very interested to hear what Susan has to say as we spent a week in Cancun recently and one day on Isla Mujeres. I would not go back to Cancun; it was what we needed at this particular time (good weather, beach, pool, nice timeshare); and our day spent on the Isla Mujeres I found disturbing--natural beauty being over-shadowed by the poverty; I was guilt-stricken. I did find the Mexican people in both places lovely to look at and lovely to talk with.

Nancy

Hi!<BR><BR>Happy Bday! You are getting great advice from these posts!<BR><BR>In my opinion (been to all of the places mentioned, plus others) you need to look at Cozumel or Playa del Carmen. IM is very laid back, Cancun is Myrtle Beach on crack. PDC gives you a great jumping off point to see lots of things/places all up and down the Mayan Riviera, and Cozumel has all that you are looking for, plus the option to take the ferry over to PDC for a great day trip.<BR><BR>GOOD luck and have fun!

Jon

If you're not into snorkeling or diving, there's no point in going to Cozumel.

Nancy

Don't listen to Jon - he obviously did not take advantage of all there is to do on Cozumel (in addition to world-class diving and snorkeling). <BR>1.) Great shopping<BR>2.) Several nice - though small in the scheme of things - ruins with informed guides<BR>3.) Great restaurants<BR>4.) Multiple places to party<BR>a. live reggae every week.<BR>b. live music - fish fry with locals.<BR>c. every Sunday night live local music and dancing downtown with the whole town.<BR>c. 2 discos<BR>d. Carlos and Charlies with the drunk cruiseship passengers.<BR>5. Fantastic beach restaurants - eat/swim<BR>6. Horseback riding<BR>7. Catamaran party cruises<BR>8. Rent a jeep and explore<BR>9. 2 lighthouses on deserted beaches<BR>etc. etc.<BR>Jon, next time, LEAVE your hotel room! <BR><BR>

Jon

Nancy: I had a Jeep and toured around the island, parts of which are truly beautiful--I did not stay in a hotel room as I was there for a day having flown over from Cancun. I didn't see a hotel that impressed me; I thought the shopping was awful; I'm not a party animal so drinking with drunk cruise-ship people doesn't appeal; 4 of us got ill from drinking the iced-tea there (our foolish mistake); we were ripped off BY A MAN IN A POLICEMAN'S UNIFORM. Enough said?

Nancy

Jon, <BR>I'm sorry you had a bad experience with your Cozumel visit, but one day trip is not enough to make a sweeping generalization about an island's offerings. I've been going there for ten years and have never had a problem...<BR>I stay at the 5 star Intercontinental Hotel - one of the best (in my opinion, as well as Fodor's) in Mexico. <BR>The crafts, art and jewelry shopping is world class, and the people are some of the friendliest on earth. What is it, exactly, you want in a vacation? Just curious : )

Jon

Nancy: everything you mentioned (and have found yourself) is what I look for when traveling. I usually will try anything once, maybe even twice--but not Cozumel. Life's too short.

Mike Shay

I know you didn't mention Cozumel but to me it sound like the destination you<BR>are looking for. The beach at the Presidente is fabulous as is the snorkeling.I have been to Cozumel 6 times so far and have a 7th trip planned for November. There are a number of very nice hotels on the island<BR>with a wide varity of prices. Unlike<BR>Cancun, there's always a party to go to<BR>if you like, but you are not a captive <BR>audience stuck in it 24 hours a day unless that's what you want. Lots of great restaraunts too!Very safe place to<BR>go, never had a minutes problem there.<BR>Be sure and visit the undeveloped east<BR>side of the island for beautiful ,deserted beaches, the waters<BR>are a little too rough to swim much there but beachcombing a lot of fun there.<BR>