Where in Mexico? 1st time
 

My wife and I are planning a trip to Mexico in Sept. 2001. Wondering where any of you would recommend. A lot of folks have suggested Cozumel, but I have read it is a BIG cruise ship destination - which means "boat" loads of people piling into the city. <BR>Please assist, and thanks for your help in advance.

Last time I was in Mexico I inquired with a local about the weather during Sept. and Oct., he said it rains the better part of those 2 months. I would try to go at a different time if possible. Just a suggestion. Other than that Cancun is great. If you are trying to get away from the crowds I would go further south. I heard Playa del Carmen is nice.

Personally I like Cozumel and don't like Cancun. I also like Playa del Carmen. I'm assuming that you are interested in a beach destination. Are you wanting nightlife, good restaurants, etc. or more low key? Do you like to snorkel or dive? If you could give us a few ideas, I'm sure someone would be able to offer some advice.

Thanks for the advice, <BR>Susan - <BR>We just would like to have a semi-quite vacation, not a lot of crowds, maybe even something secluded. Don't know if that is possible. Not planning on going scuba diving, but will go snorkeling. Nice Hotel recommendation would be VERY helpful

You have a wide open category. The responses have talked Yucatan. If you want a bit calmer, warmer water and better snorkeling then the Yucatan is for you. If you want a small, quiet village with character and not over run by tourists, it is getting harder and harder to find that on the East coast. The Pacific is getting to be our favorite and there are numerous small fishing villages with small very comfortable hotels. I won't go into more detail because you may be leaning towards the Yucatan. <BR>Brian <BR>RoadsScholar.com <BR>Alternatives in Education

Brian's right about the increased development in the Yucatan. We were amazed last year at how much Playa del Carmen has changed. However, we still like that area, mainly because we love to snorkel. Also like the west coast (particularly Zihuatanejo), but given that we live in Toronto and the Yucatan is only a 3 1/2 hour flight, we've gone to the Yucatan a few times. The snorkeling just doesn't compare on the west coast. <BR> <BR>You might like Isla Mujeres. It's just off the coast of Cancun. I spent just a week there one year and will probably go back when I have just a week for vacation. I don't usually spend a lot on hotels, but I think there are some nice hotels there now. You could do a search on the web and find lots of information. <BR> <BR>Cozumel is also good because 1) you can fly right into Cozumel and 2) you can snorkel off the beach. Yes, it's a popular cruise ship destination, but for some reason that didn't bother me too much. They are usually shopping in town. <BR> <BR>I mentioned Zihuatanejo on the west coast. You can fly right into Zihuatanejo and there are several very nice small hotels there (some luxury properties for sure). The beaches are really pleasant, there are some really good restaurants and we loved it. We actually spent 2 weeks there. <BR> <BR>How long are you going for? If more than a week, you may want to consider a trip to the interior as well - there are some wonderful cities to visit (Guanajuato, Morelia, Oaxaca, even Mexico City). Those places would probably be very pleasant during the month of September. <BR> <BR>Good luck with your planning!

I would second Villa Del Sol, or one of the many hotels on or near La Ropa beach, or The Careyes north of Manzanillo if you are looking for secluded.