Out and About in Cancun

Our Adventures Continue...

Although we were only in Cancun for 5 short days, we knew that we wanted to make the most of our time there.  After a ton of research, we finally decided on two outings during our first vacation together. 

Chichen Itza

We booked our tour of Chichen Itza through Cancun Discounts.  The tour was inexpensive, and included a guided tour of both Chichen Itza and a cenote, or underground spring. 

The entrance to the Cenote

Needless to say, both sites were breathtaking.  Thinking back now, two years later, Rob and I agree that this was the most memorable part of our trip.  Experiencing first hand something that you have seen for years in books and movies is incredible.  Our tour guide was great, and taught us things that we didn't know-like how they believe there's another pyramid underneath the large one!  Be sure to wear walking shoes though-I was amazed at how large the actual complex was. 

Swimming with Dolphins on Isla Mujeres

We booked our dolphin excursion directly through our hotel for a very reasonable price.  The tour included a ferry to Isla Mujeres, and then a day long excursion swimming with dolphins and sting rays, and visiting an acquatic center.  Neither Rob nor myself had ever done this before, so it was one of the aspects of our trip we were most looking forward to.

The day of our scheduled tour came, and it was cold.  I mean so cold that our lips turned blue.  In November, in Cancun.  No bueno.  The tour itself was nice, but it was unfortunate that we were so chilly that it was difficult to enjoy.  We actually headed back to our hotel about four hours early, just so we could use the hot tub in the spa.  This was actually our wake up call that for the winter months we would be heading further south-much further south.  

Seal on Isla Mujeres

 So that is basically the end of our trip to Cancun.  We had a wonderful experience, and would love to go back one day after we explore a bit more of the Caribbean.  Was it a touristy trip?  It sure was!  And sometimes, that is exactly what is needed. 

The Switch to An All Inclusive

Cancun 2010

I have a (not so very) secret.  

I hate the cold.  

There, I said it.  Living in New York, the cold is a part of life.  From November (and sometimes October) on, all the way until April (and sometimes May), it's cold.  Four layers, waddling with your snowsuit on cold.  However, there is hope.

The Caribbean.

For in the Caribbean my friends, it is warm! Hot even!  You can wear a bathing suit, and go swimming in January.  It's paradise.   But for those of you who have traveled there before, I'm sure you are aware of the plethora of options.  For on most every island, and throughout parts of Mexico, there are more hotels than you can probably count.  Then the questions start.

Where should I go?

What hotel do I stay at?

Should I stay in an all-inclusive?

How much money will I save?

How do I book my trip?

What should I do while I'm there?

Do I just sit on the beach all day?

WHAT HOTEL DO I STAY AT?!?!?

Cancun holds a soft spot in my heart.  It was the first trip that Rob and I took (after just 3 months of dating).  It's a place that appeals to those on spring break, yet also appeals to those with families for its familiarity and price.  And for two young twenty-somethings going on their first tropical vacation, Cancun was perfect.  

But where to stay??  After hours spent pouring over travel sites and the internet, we finally decided on the Riu Palace Las Americas, and we clicked purchase through what would quickly become a go-to website, Cheapcaribbean.com.  

A not-so-great picture of the beautiful lobby

We decided on this for a few reasons.  While an all-inclusive may not be for everyone, we've had wonderful experiences, and have continued to go back ever since this first trip. What are the benefits you may ask?

• The website we booked it through had incredible deals.  I mean to the point where we thought there were hidden fees.  There weren't.
• We loved the idea of staying in a place that was large enough where we wouldn't get bored.
• All your food and beverages (including alcohol) are included.  And we enjoyed the food!
• It made the planning process easy for us.  

The Riu chain is (in our humble opinion) more of a European chain, but we had a blast.  The room was clean, the food was good, and the beach and pool were beautiful.

A cloudy picture of Paradise