Mayan Riviera for Parents 30th
 

Greetings all. I am in desperate need of help in planning a surprise trip for my parents 30th anniversary in November. I took a second job to raise money and I have $1400. I've narrowed to Mayan Riviera for these reasons:
* my father speaks some spanish and loves to speak it whenever he can
* financially, I know Mexico is probaby all I can afford
* but my mom has never been anywhere so I want her to get out of the country at least.
* I heard it's more authentic and offers more culture than Cancun, but is still not a far drive from the airport (45 min. ?)

I've been looking at all inclusives for them, though I know they're not all that great. I just wanted them to have the choice of not spending a dime, since they don't have much money.

My dad does have cancer, so I want him to be able to relax on a beach, but he is very active and can stand the heat and the ruins explorations. They don't drink or smoke or party, but he loves exploring and she loves shopping. So preferably a resort that wouldn't overwhelm them, be party central, or dominated by kids.

I hope I'm not asking too much. Any advice would be greatly appreciated, especially resort suggestions and great online deal destinations. (flying out of Nashville)
Thank you in advance travelers!

I heard it's more authentic and offers more culture than Cancun, but is still not a far drive from the airport (45 min. ?)

You didn't put down what was 45 min from the airport. Does your 1400 include airfare or is that amount for accommodations and food if you don't go AI?

The Iberostar Tucan is very popular, on a great beach in Playacar. It is mid priced, don't know if that'd be too much $$?

Colokid, I heard the Mayan Riviera was about a 45 minute drive from the airport in Cancun. Playa del Carmen?
And unfortunately, the $1400 includes airfare. Obviously it couldn't be a long stay, but I was hoping for 5 nights maybe?? I can spend a bit more if I have too. I'll just eat PB&J until then. :)

And thanks Frankie, I'll check it out!

You're correct, PDC is about 45 minutes away from Cancun. I don't know if you check Apple or Funjet, sometimes they have good deals for all inclusive vacations in the area...
There are also quite a few smaller hotels right in Playa del Carmen that aren't all inclusive, but might still be cheaper overall ... for instance, check out the Playa-Maya.com a small hotel right on the beach in town. The Riviera Maya Caribe also looks very nice for an economy hotel.

Wow - what a nice gift. Check out apple and Liberty Travel packages. I looked at their ad in this past Sunday's paper and seem to recall they had 4 night packages to one of the Riu resorts near PDC that were in your price range.
Good Luck

Yes, PDC is about 45 min from the airport. What a nice idea for your parents. There are many places in Playa they could stay but I doubt it would be for a week, especially the closer you get to Thanksgiving. I don't know what area of the country you are from but Apple, WorryFree Vacations and Funjet all have package deals. If you find an airfare (American had a sale today on Travelzoo) you could always book a small hotel separately. Mexico is not as inexpensive as it once was. I don't always think travel agents are the way to go but in this instance your best bet may be to go and ask them what they can do for you. That way, if you get a package deal for an AI, the airfare, room, meals and transport from and to the airport are all included. THen they don't have to worry about anything. Good luck!

Check out a timeshare rental at the Royal Haciendas in Playa del Carmen. You can rent directly through owners at www.tug2.com, www.omcancun.com, www.mexicondo.com. I have seen rentals for $900./week. They are 5 star, condos with kitchens, grocery store on site, many amenities. Very family orientated, not a party place. Very new -- just opened on July 1, 2006 it's first phase. The website: www.royalresorts.com will give more information.

Royal Haciendas are nice. Do you know if they started or plan to start the Royal Oasis Corporate Plaza on 20th?

I just saw that Oasis Riviera Maya is having a 1/2 price sale -$69.00 per person, per nite for an all inclusive. Their reviews on TripAdvisor are very good. Also Barcelo Maya is having a comparable sale. This a beautiful property on an amazing beach.
I saw these offers on my favorite travel site- Travelzoo.
Staying in a condo may be another cost efficient option. Try a website called VRBO.COM & check out condos in Akumal- which is not too far from the ruins & Tulum. I've heard that they have excellent beaches, snorkeling & great lagoon nearby.