My husband and I are trying to decide whether to plan a trip to the Caribbean or Mexico, but cannot decide because we have no idea where to go. We are particularly looking for a destination with a lot of water recreation (snorkeling, waverunners, parasailing, good beaches) and some nightlife, perhaps. <BR><BR>We would appreciate anyone's input - thanks!

Caribbean by far, You can eat and drink anything and not worry about getting sick!!!!!!!!!!!

Mexico is lovely, as the above poster wrote about getting sick. Don't worry resorts and restaurants use purified water. If water sports are your thing consider for snorkeling the island of Cozumel and if you want the beaches with the long stretches of sand the Mayan Riviera corridor would suit you. Hard to get good beaches with good snorkeling as coral shores encourage reef life. Coz has plenty of beach on the east side though that is beautiful, no hotels on that side of the island. It is easy to get around car rental is reasonable as is the taxi service. Personally Cozumel is my favorite. For more info go to travelnotes Cozumel website lots of info there. Have fun.<BR>Peace rita

F.Y.I.:<BR>After a trip to Cancun ~ the most beautiful of beaches~ my husband was really sick. We never drank the water, but had plenty of mixed drinks w/ice.<BR>I'd love to take our kids to Mexico, but I'm hesitant about the whole water/food thing.<BR>We're taking them to the Caribbean instead!<BR>

I believe that only the Yucatan area (Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Akumal) pose health risks due to their water; and even then, only outside the resorts. But you have nothing to worry about in Cozumel or in the Mexican Riviera, no matter where you go.

I have too agree with Kim, me and my wife spent a week in Mexico and i returned home and was deadly sick for about a month lost about 25 lbs and has side affects for a few months after that. My wife also was spending alot of time in the bathroom for about a week after returning. We too did not drink the water but had mixed drinks with ice and sea food a (No No)!

Gotta say I got sick in Cozumel (didn't drink tap water either, just ice in drinks). I think the deal with Mexico is that the bacteria that live in their water is just different than what's in the US - if you lived in Mexico for a bit you'd get used to it.<BR><BR>Cozumel was a lovely, laid back place to go though, we rented scooters and drove all around the island, great snorkeling, easy to find good places to eat and drink in town, even some small ruins in the jungle to check out.<BR><BR>We've been going to Jamaica for the past few years, Negril has all that you're asking about.<BR><BR Liz

We love both Mexico and the Caribbean. Mexico is much less expensive so we go there during times when we don't feel like spending $4,000 for our week's vacation. Here's what works for us regarding the water -- we drink some liquid pepto-bismol a couple of times a day as a preventative measure, drink canned sodas, bottled beer and bottled water.

Having visited the Mayan Riviera including Cancun to Belize, it presents no more of a health risk than other areas. In fact, probably less with the increase of the tourist population. Many of the restaurants and all the resorts use potable water and will tell you if they don't. Have stayed where there was no potable water in the taps but with the bottled water for brushing teeth, etc. have not had a problem ever. There is wonderful history and culture to explore in Mexico with trips to Tulum or the many pyramids and the Mayan people are fantastic. Those a/i's in Playa probably have every to y known to man as I am sure the ones in Cancun do also. Off shore snorkling is not great along those beaches but there is Cozumel and other spots where it is great. The Caribbean Islands (other than those Mexican ones) will probablly be more expensive but again since you didn't mention a budget or the type of accomodations you seek, it is hard to recommend. There are wonderful spots all over the Caribbean that can provide you with what you want but do you want all inclusive? a resort? a villa?

We just spent a week at Swept Away in Negril - the drinking water was fabulous! better than home! The food was spectacular and the staff was the best beyond compare. There was snorkeling, parasailing, boat cruises, scuba diving and more, a wonderful place..i would recommend it to anyone. I met so many repeats there, that i am not sure i would try anywhere else.

I would suggest the Caribbean over Mexico for the same reasons others have brought up. I would look into Sandals Negril - the beach and hotel are beautiful and all your watersports are included in your price.