Where should I stay in Mexico? Part 1
(390 Reviews)
98% Recommended
Pam MacIntyre
Maple Grove, MN
Australia & New Zealand Specialist
New Zealand
In all my years as a Travel Professional, with curiosity I've asked several the question "What are your must see countries?" I was hard pressed to find one that did not list New Zealand! I mean who wouldn't wa...
New Zealand
In all my years as a Travel Professional, with curiosity I've asked several the question "What are your must see countries?" I was hard pressed to find one that did not list New Zealand! I mean who wouldn't want to experience this majestic part of the world?
Recently I was able to explore several areas of this amazing country, being fortunate in visiting both the North & South Island. What I love is New Zealand can be mellow or action-packed, yet it will still always be epic!
From the endless national parks, dynamic Maori culture, to experiencing the sounds aboard a yacht while gazing upon dolphins. And let’s not forget about laying witness to the majestic beauty of a sperm whale off the coast of Kaikoura.
Wait, did you say you enjoy wine? They have some of THE best in the world....how do I know? Because how could I go all the way to New Zealand and not visit a winery or two. New Zealand offers the deliciousness of Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnays, Pinot Noir, Merlot and many more!
I really could go on and on, but no need if you're reading this you already KNOW you want to explore this part of the world. I would love to help you create the best version of New Zealand for you!
Australia
Let me start by saying, I have been wanting to go to Australia since I was a child. Why you ask? Well to pet a kangaroo of course! And I did! Not only did I pet kangaroos, but I fed 4 simultaneously! It was a childhood dream come true, and I cannot wait to go back and repeat the experience.
I was in Sydney during the spectacular International lights and music festival, Vivid Sydney. It was their 10th year, and all I've got to say is WOW! Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought Australia would be so perfect to visit during their winter season. Although being from Minnesota it was more like our fall temperatures. So again, perfect! It was extra special to experience VIVID Sydney and see the iconic Sydney Opera House light up. If you travel during this time of year, it truly is a must see.
The Blue Mountains region of Australia was truly lovely to walk amongst. Then headed to Hunter Valley (to locals known as "The Hunter") where wine in this region was flowing plentifully and was quite delicious!
After making a visit to Australia I now understand why many choose to go there for 2 - 4 weeks on a vacation. It's truly hard to grasp the sheer size of Australia until you have been there yourself. To give you an idea, think about the USA. Sydney would be in Florida; Cairns (Great Barrier Reef) would be in Maine; Uluru (Ayers Rock) would be in Kansas; Melbourne would be New Orleans; and Perth would be Los Angeles.
If you're looking to visit the world's largest Great Barrier Reef, immerse yourself in Aboriginal communities, swim with whale sharks or gaze upon the Uluru (Ayers Rock) the possibilities really are endless in Australia!
Together we'll create your dream trip to Australia that you'll remember for the rest of your days!
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1-763-231-8893
Mexico: The Caribbean Side
Mexico has called your name! Now the question is which area is right for you? Is it the Caribbean side?
Each coastline of Mexico offers stunning scenery, resorts and activities, however east and west are very different from one another. The Pacific coast boasts dramatic cliffs, hazel-colored sand and a laid-back feel, while the Caribbean side you'll find white sand beaches, clear blue waters and can either find the spring break vibe or a romantic feel.
Riviera Maya:
I'd like to start with MY personal favorite part of Mexico, the Riviera Maya! My toes have touched the white sands here around 14 times over the past 20 years. This area is just so versatile that you can be as active or as relaxed as you wish. The resorts are generally not more than 4 stories, so they blend well with the lush & tropical terrain. You’ll get the "Caribbean feel" while enjoying the Mexican charm. With the town of Playa Del Carmen close by, you've got access to lots of fun nightclubs, bars and shopping. The beach areas vary, so if beaches are important to you let me know so we can better hone in on the right resort for you. The Riviera Maya is home to several popular areas such as: Tulum, Akumal, Playacar, Puerto Morelos, Puerto Aventuras, Maroma Beach, & Playa Del Carmen.
Popular Riviera Maya Tours/Attractions:
- Mayan Ruins: Chichen Itza, Tulum or Coba
- Snorkeling the Cenotes (A natural pit, or sinkhole. Theory has it they were created by meteors millions of years ago)
- Xcaret Park
- Xplor Park
- Xel-Há Park
Cozumel:
Snorkeling & Scuba Diving are prime on this little island, with direct access to the world’s second longest coral reef. A historic site to explore is the San Gervasio Mayan Archaeological Site. While it's not nearly as large as some of the Mayan sites, if this type of historic architecture intrigues you it's worth a look. This charming little island has a calm & tranquil vibe that might just be perfect for you!
Popular Cozumel Tours:
- Submarine Tours
- Chankanaab National Park
- Cozumel Reefs National Park
- Snorkel Columbia Reef
- Cave & Cenote Tour
- Fishing
Cancun:
Cancun to me is the "Florida of Mexico." When you're on the beach and you look left to right it's an endless walking beach with resorts side-by-side. There are lots of fun clubs, tons of shopping from high-end to bartering, an almost unnaturally wide white sand beach which is great to go for a morning run on and some fantastic resort choices that'll give you an unforgettable vacation! When staying in Cancun, you're not too far from a wide variety of tours.
Popular Cancun Tours:
- Shark Diving in Cancun
- Water Skiing & Jet Skiing
- Surfing, Windsurfing & Kite Surfing
- Swim with Dolphins
- Parasailing
Isla Mujeres:
Isla Mujeres is definitely the laid back vibe with some incredibly amazing remote beaches! They also have some astonishing sunrises & sunsets. At sunrise, go to the southern part of the island. Then in the evening, the best place to view the sunset is the west part of Playa Norte. Be sure to check out Punta Sur, which is the Easternmost point of Mexico. It doesn't look like much at first glance, but when you start hiking down the sides of the cliffs there it's just beautiful. The thing to know is many of the restaurants are open air, thus can be warmer. Also not many All Inclusive resort choices. This isn't the glitz n' glamour area of Mexico, but for some that's exactly what they're looking for.
Popular Isla Mujeres Tours/Attractions:
- Swimming with the Whale Sharks
- Underwater Museum Snorkel Tour (More than 500 life-sized sculptures)
- Catamaran/Sailing Tours
- Garrafón Reef Park
Playa Mujeres/Costa Mujeres:
This area is a relatively newer area being developed, so it has a bit more of a secluded feel to it. You enter through a gated check-point to ensure only those authorized are going in. Depending on the resort you stay at will determine how secluded of a feel you'll have. Close access to the ferry if you want to head over to Isla Mujeres for the day. We did this ourselves and rented a golf cart to tool around the island. Best part is it's only 4 miles long, so impossible to get lost. Fun time! While you've access to tours here, depending on interests together we'll discuss if this area is right for you.
Isla Holbox (Holbox Island):
If you've already checked out Cancun, Riviera Maya & Tulum, maybe you'd like to check out the un-crowded beauty of Isla Holbox. It's still considered "Touristy," just not in the way Cancun is. It's just 2 hours by car from Cancun, then you take a small flight or ferry over.
Merida:
For a more historical colonial experience of Mexico, Merida might just be the area for you. While it's four hours west of the powdery white sand beaches, the bar, food and museum scene is a draw for some travelers.
Does the Caribbean side sound like it’s the right fit for you? Check out my post on the Pacific side to help you decide. I’m happy to help with your escape to Mexico!