How to Have Fun in the Riviera Maya, Mexico

The Riviera Maya is perhaps the most spectacular and exciting area in Mexico. It is a land of stunning vistas, glorious sunsets, and of course, people looking for some rest and relaxation. If you're considering this destination for your next trip, then follow these steps to a more enjoyable vacation experience!

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Travel Agency/Travel Website
• Planning time
• A week's worth of vacation time
• A desire to explore new countries and locales
• Passports (if you do not live in Mexico)

1. If you are planning a trip to the Riviera Maya, you need to find a travel agency! I strongly suggest using Judy and Maria's Travel. They are dependable and will organize your vacation so that you will have everything you need (plane tickets, resort reservations, etc.) The agency uses Apple Vacations as its tour operator, which is a highly respected vacation company. I suggest booking in July/August to get the best deal!
   
   Judy and Maria's Travel website is: http://www.jmtravel.com/
   
   Apple Vacation's website is: http://www.applevacations.com/showDestination.do?command=showDestination&destinationCode=CUN

2. When you choose a resort, make sure you look at the all-inclusive ones. I strongly recommend staying at an all-inclusive resort, because you receive unlimited food and drinks, room service, unlimited pool and bar use, and the resorts themselves are works of art! The landscaping and artistry that goes into these resorts are absolutely breathtaking!

3. 
   All-inclusive resorts are the best.

   Check out these wonderful resorts:
   
   Iberostar Lindo/Maya Resorts:
   http://www.iberostar.com
   
   Fiesta Hotel Group - Palladium Resorts: http://www.fiestahotelgroup.com/index.php/en
   
   Bahia Principe Clubs and Resorts - Gran Bahia Principe Coba Resort: http://www.granbahiaprincipecoba.com/

4. Okay, now that you have booked your vacation, it's time to start packing! If you don't pack properly, your dream vacation will turn into a nightmare! Some important items to consider are sunscreen lotion (lots of it), extra changes of clothes, bathing suits, dress clothes, sunglasses, books to read at the resort, money for tips, cameras, toiletries, snacks, etc. Remember not to pack too much! Some airlines charge extra for each additional bag. Stick with one carry-on and one suitcase for each person in your family or group.

5. Now, get ready for a trip of a lifetime! After you arrive at the airport, submit your tickets, deposit your luggage, and wait for your flight! Most airlines play in-flight movies, so it will be a fun ride. When you arrive at Cancun airport, an representative from Apple Vacations will pick you up on a coach bus and bring you to your chosen inclusive resort.

6. 
   Have breakfast at one of the buffets!

   When you arrive at the resort, your bags will be taken to your room after you check in at the front desk. The staff will greet you and tell you about the activities and features of the resort. Now the fun begins!
   Most inclusive resorts will have multiple lounges, buffets, specialty restaurants, pools, beaches, and air-conditioned gift shops and other stores. With so much to do, you will never want to leave the resort!

7. However, if you become restless, feel free to take a resort bus down to Playa del Carmen, a market district near Cancun. Here, you can buy souvenirs, clothing, decorations, and thousands of other items from local vendors. You can haggle with these vendors, so don't be shy! If you see something that you like, get it for the lowest price possible. After shopping, you can just walk about and take in the sights or head back to the resort for dinner.

8. 
   Sit back, read, and relax...

   There are also tours offered by the resorts, such as trips to Mayan ruins, but unless you're a history-buff, stay at the resort and enjoy all it has to offer! You can play tennis, hang out at a buffet for breakfast, read a book in one of the lobbies, or just take a nice, leisurely walk around the lush grounds. Whatever you do, it will be a memorable experience!

9. Well, now that you know how to have a great time in the Riviera Maya, start booking that vacation of your dreams! You won't regret it. Grab that camera and start making memories in the Mexico sunshine!

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure you don't bring any water bottles through the airport security terminal. It just causes headaches and delay!
• Make sure your family member or friends have a way of communicating with each other at the resort, because everyone is probably going to be at different places at different times. You want to make sure everyone is together for breakfast, lunch, and especially, dinner!
• At most all-inclusive resorts, you can book up to three nights where you dine at a specialty restaurant (Italian, Steakhouse, etc.), instead of at a buffet (which are excellent, by the way). Make your reservations as soon as you check in to avoid disappointment later on.
• Tip baggage handlers, cleaning staff, and restaurant waiters. They really appreciate it and will provide you with better service.
• Explore the entire resort during your week-long stay to get a feel for the place and know where various restaurants and shops are located.
• Try to avoid direct exposure to the sun for extended periods of time, or you will regret it later on in the week.
• Do not eat anything in Playa del Carmen or anywhere else outside of the resort to avoid food poisoning and other sicknesses.
• Only drink water at the resort, or you will be spending more time in the restrooms than in the pool!
• Make sure you don't sleep in too late, or you'll miss breakfast every morning! The breakfast buffets in the resorts are delicious, so don't stay up too late the night before.
• Don't forget to take plenty of pictures! You want to preserve these memories forever.

[rosekolowinski]

on 11/16/2009 I've been there - great place to visit! You have covered all the necessary preparations very nicely. Very thorough article - thank you!

[martinrojas]

on 11/13/2009 Yes, now that is what I am talking about. I find this article so useful, especially when it applies to your readers who are planing a trip and have no idea what to do or where to go. If I plan a trip there, I am taking this article with me.

[paulusgrandis]

on 11/12/2009 WONDERFUL ARTICLE!! I wish that I was headed that way soon! 5* and rec'd!!

[paulusgrandis]

on 11/12/2009 WONDERFUL ARTICLE!! I wish that I was headed that way soon! 5* and rec'd!!

[goodselfme]

on 11/12/2009 Tx for the travel tips to enjoy the Riviera May in Mexico. Sounds like the all inclusive resorts are the places to stay if I was planning a trip for this wonderful vacation idea.