What to bring for a beach holiday
by Dabs
I pack a few of those pesky plastic grocery bags so that I can put our wet swimwear/clothes in them for the trip home. With the high humidity, nothing ever seems to dry.
Check your airline, with additional fees on some airlines to check luggage, we decided to carry all our luggage on with us. There are restrictions on liquids, make sure to pack them in 1 quart size bag per person, max. 3 oz per item. Well, of course, you should pack a bathing suit or two, shorts and sandals. Playa del Carmen is casual, at some of the restaurants on 5th Avenue, you might want to dress a little nicer than beach wear. Most resorts have reservation only restaurants where you'd feel more comfortable with nicer clothes.
In early December, I needed long pants and a light sweater in the evening. Bring sunscreen!
Some people get hit with Montezuma's revenge, you might want to pack some Immodium or for less serious cases Pepto Bismal Most days I could use my digital camera but for boat trips you might want to bring a disposable camera in case it gets wet.
Also, if you are going snorkeling/scuba diving, you might want to bring an underwater camera. A valid passport is needed if you are American and travelling by air. By summer 2009, this requirement will be extended to sea travel (except closed loop cruises). If you are travelling by land you can also use a Passport card in lieu of a Passport. Check the US State Department's website for current information.
I always bring all my neglected magazines to the beach with me, lightens the load on the way home and I don't have to worry about sand and sunscreen with them.
Locals and biljards
by susu77 about La Taberna
We went several times to this big bar on 10th avenue. There is two biljardtables and you will most likely get to play against locals. Every time we were the only tourists of the bar what I found fun.
On weekdays La Taberna had a happy hour all night long - very cheap drinks!
There is also a long line of computers with internet access. The menu looked also very appealing and economical but we never ate there.
Alux: Dinner in a Cenote
by Kaspian about Alux
Alux (pronounced "a-loosh") is a restaurant and nightclub located in a cenote (a cave formed by underground rivers). The entrance is impressive; you descend a great rock staircase surrounded by tiki torches to the reception area. (It looks a lot like the "Tribal Council" area on Survivor.)
Candelabras, coloured lights, and flowing water adorn places throughout the cave. The dining area is dark enough that despite all the lamps, the waiters use flashlights and may have to lend you one so that you can read the menu.
The waiter we had was very quick--he seemed very concerned that we were being taken care of at all times. There's also live entertainment during the meal. We were treated to a fire juggler and a bellydancer. Filete Mil Alux (fillet mignon in a roquefort wine sauce wrapped in serrano ham with parmesan cheese) served with vegetables and baked potato. Wash it down with red wine. This steak must have been an inch thick! The meal was fantastic and unbelievably filling.
Best Pollo Asado
by peggydaly about Pollo Asadero
Great Pollo Asado with sides for cheap! There are lots of good ones around but this is exceptional and they are generous with the sides. Get a whole roasted chicken (asado is roasted with special spices) with baggies that contain beans, rice, onion, 3 different salsa picantes and a grip of tortillas. pack it off to the beach and you gotta picnic! asado, of course!
Eco Park - Xcaret
by Erinalicia01
This park has everything!! snorkeling, scuba diving, swimming with dolphins (for an add'l fee), ruins, aquariums, turtle lagoons, butterfly pavillions, mayan villages, beaches, night shows. It's an all day/night activity! Totally worth it!
another view from edge of hut
Tulum
The Nohoch Mul Pyramid
Blue Parrot (2007)
