Hi,

I'm late in planning this, but I'd like to go to Mexico for maybe 4-6 days next week, but I'm debating where to go...

I'm a single male, won't be travelling with anyone. I was thinking Cancun, but I worry it's too touristy, and I'm not sure about the other areas in Mexico. Thanks for the advice

Yes, Cancun is touristy.

What are you interested in doing? If you just want to sit around the pool, you can do that anywhere (including Cancun). Tell us what you're interested in and we'll give you some suggestions.

Truth is, I'm not really sure. I actually wouldn't mind Cancun, but I don't want to go somewhere where it's constantly a part atmosphere. But mostly relaxing and doing nothing, that's what I'm looking for right now. Thanks

oops on the above, I meant to say I didn't want to travel anywhere that was always a party atmosphere, not a part atmosphere

Puerto Vallarta and stay in Old Town. Easy to get to, fun place but not over the top, many people solo, basically "something for everyone" kind of place.

Or fly into Cancun and take the ferry out to Isla Mujeres.

I love Cancun for it's incredible beach, but don't know if I'd want to go to Cancun if I were traveling alone. I think the town of Playa del Carmen might be better for that.

I second Puerto Vallarta, too. It's very friendly and safe.

Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca is an excellent place to go solo and just relax. You will find beaches where you will be the only person around. You will mainly find surfers from all over the world. The place and location is incredible. There are nice bars, excellent restaurants, and fabulous resorts. Definitely my first choice if all night party is not your style.

Hmmmm. If I were you, I'd think about which places you can most easily get to at affordable prices. If you have a deal lined up to Cancun, it would make a *LOT* more sense to stay there, or to head to one of the first-class beaches within easy driving or bus distance than it would to do Puerto Vallarta or Puerto Escondido.

Also, I'm not sure Puerto Vallarta is a good recommendation for you. If lying on the beach is your priority, you'll be *MUCH* happier in Cancun or along the Caribbean coast nearby than you would *anywhere* on the Pacific side.

Cancun is a world-class resort destination for a reason. The reason is WONDERFUL beaches --- soft, powdery white sand like you find on some of the best Caribbean islands, and absolutely brilliantly clear, impossibly bright turquoise waters.

The beaches in and around Cancun, including Playa Norte on Isla Mujeres, and the entire Maya Riviera coast all the way down to Playa del Carmen offer Mexico's best selection of top beaches. You *CAN* find good places to relax there, and personally, I find Cancun's "party" reputation to be overblown puffery. It can actually be a VERY good place for a relaxing vacation too, although, like others, I personally prefer taking the launch over to Isla Mujeres and chilling out in a slower, less commercialized environment.

Hope this helps!
Mark
www.tiogringo.com

Ditto above that it depends where you are flying from.

4-6 days is a VERY short trip and 2 of those days will basically be spent on the plane. So (for example) Cancun is better if you're flying from the East coast USA or PV is you're flying West coast.

Playa del Carmen or Isla Mujeres. Check out www.isla-mujeres.net or playadelcarmeninfo.com. Lots of great information on these areas. I would recommend either one based on past experiences!

Agree with other posters about Playa Del Carmen and Isla Mujeres, with Isla being tops.

I suggest Puerto Morelos, which is a small sleepy fishing village about 20 minutes south of Cancun. It's close to Playa del Carmen and Cancun if you want to do day trips to either. Write if you need tips on places to stay.