Message: Love your outlook on travel, which is same as mine. Getting out and about and past the tourist 'wall' we both seek. Love your inputs and candidness, we're are small in population that do that...not sure if thats good or bad

I need to know more about Mexico and Central America....off the beaten trail of course...been to Costa Rica, thats it for there, except Belize

For you, and I know this not even meeting you. You will LOVE Malta and more so Gozo...if you get the chance GO THERE. HISTORY! people, culture, blue sea. Not like the Caribbean but worth the journey.

Aren't you sweet! quot

You have had a lot of interesting travel experiences also, and you have done a great job of becoming more open to everyone's ideas of what they enjoy in travel.

I think it's a good thing that we are a small population as our favorite types of destinations are less likely to be overrun with those seeking a less "authentic" experience.

There are a lot of great posters on here with a vast store of knowledge whose opinions and ideas I respect - including you of course!

Hmmm, Malta. I'll have to check that out.

Diana,
Thanks for the response. You're very right, I think I've put more into perspective the traveler vs what I like...too funny, but true.

I do like expressing my opinions openly, though so many take offense and I don't mean it that way as its just my opinion....where others differ I think thats great.

Yes great inputters on here, one comes to mind quickly is HowardC for T&C info...amazing.

Trust me on the Malta thing...but more so Gozo, so if you go to Malta and not go to Gozo now thats bad

I will most definitely look into Malta and Gozo.

I'm in the final stages of planning now for two weeks in Isla Mujeres, Tulum and Playa del Carmen in April.

You should look into Tulum, Akumal and Isla Mujeres. Amazing beaches, laid back and funky and lots of local food and experiences to be had, plus all are easy to get to from Cancun.

You'll love this... One of my favorite people on Isla Mujeres is the pumpkin seed lady. She is a little old lady who walks up and down the beach with little plastic-sleeved packets of baked sunflower seeds still warm from her oven. They are salty and crunchy and out of this world.

While you are standing there in your swimsuit on what I think is one of the most stunning beaches in the world, you hold the little packet open, and she squeezes fresh lime juice over the seeds. Must be consumed along with an icy beer... Heaven.

We got hooked on Caribbean Mexico about 11 years ago and have to have our "fix" every spring. We're divers, and there are not many spots in the islands that can compare to Cozumel and the reef system in that area.

I think you would really like it, and the fares and room rates are so reasonable, it makes taking a longer trip there easy. (Not like I need encouraging! )

Excuse me for a moment, Diana.....have you found a b board or other good resource for Playa?

There's a good chance I'll be there in November and I don't know much about the area....will be a very large group (about 300) who will want to stay in one hotel, on the beach.

Liza, Oh, yes'm.

Very active board (fun too!)

playadelcarmeninfo.com

WOW! Big group.

I guess there are really only 3 hotels in PDC proper (there are lots out of town but taxis would be mucho dinero $$$) that would accommodate that kind of a crowd.

I know there are two that are brand new this year, and one AI (Porto Real), but if you can stay somewhere on an EP, do it.

The restaurants in PDC are just incredible...

You'll have a blast!

Thank you Diana!!