My first trip to Mexico

I was filled with anticipation and excitement for my first visit to Mexico. We planned our trip and were going to Playa Del Carmen on the Yucatan peninsula.  When I took my first step out of the airport in Cancun I immediately felt a sense of relaxation and happiness. 

We arrived in the early afternoon and went to check into our hotel.  We stayed in a small boutique hotel that was 2 blocks from the ocean and less then one block from the main road in town.  The hotel staff was very friendly and the grounds were beautiful.  We decided to walk down to the beach after we checked in.  I will never forget the first steps that I took on the sand. For as warm as the weather was the sand was cool to the touch. It was the most beautiful white sand that I have ever seen. The ocean was a turquoise blue and the water temperature was like a cool bath.  We finished off our first day with dinner at a small restaurant in town and watching fire dancers on the beach.  It really was the perfect first day. 

    On our second day in Playa Del Carmen we decided to take the ferry to Cozumel.  This is a small island that you can reach in about 20 minutes by boat.  When we got to the island we decided to rent a moped so that we could do some exploring.  We took a road that led us to the other side of the island and spent the rest of the day making our way around it.  We were able to see beaches that were empty and peaceful, when you drove down the road little crabs would cross in front of you.  It was such a fun day. When we arrived back in the town we sat outside at one of the restaurants and sat back and relaxed.  After a little bit of shopping we got back onto the ferry and went back to our hotel. That night we went tried a new restaurant in town and enjoyed a relaxing evening.   

    On our third day we went on a tour of Chichen Itza the ancient Mayan ruins.  This was a guided tour and I think that this is the best way to do this on your first time.  We stopped at a small town on the way and were able to get out and walk around.  When we arrived we started our tour. The ruins are truly breathtaking.  I have never seen anything like it in my life.  The stories behind the ruins and the images that you see will stick with you for forever.  During the tour we were able to do some shopping.   People that live in the local area will come and sell beautiful pieces of art work.  There are dresses, jewelry, pottery, and so many more things.  While we were doing some shopping these two little girls came up to me with hand embroidered hankerchiefs, they were so cute that I couldn't help but buy two of them.  After touring the ruins we stopped on the way back to town at a cenote.  For those of you who are not familiar with what these are they are a deep natural pit or sinkhole.  When the collapse happens it exposes groundwater underneath.  It is unlike anything that I have ever seen. The best part is that you can go down and swim in these. The water is clear cool and refreshing.  We finished off our day with one of the best massages that I have had from a great place in town.  

    On our fourth day we went to Puerto Morales and tried snorkeling.  The second largest coral reef in the world is located here. The water is so shallow that you could stand up if it weren't for the reefs and the sea life.  I could have spent all day out in the water. I saw some of the most beautiful fish that had such vibrant colors.  This was our last full day of vacation so we spent the rest of it relaxing on the beach and enjoying our time.  

    We spent our last few hours on our last day walking around town and doing some shopping.  The shop owners were so friendly and you can find some really neat stuff in the stores to take home for souvenirs.  I was so sad that our trip had ended and it was time to go back to the airport.  I remember thinking as we drove away that this was a place that I could live everyday and always be happy. 

    The experiences that I had on my trip, the places that I was able to see were once in a lifetime things for me.  I never imagined that I would walk away with the feeling that I had.  I really felt that Mexico is a place that you can go to experience the best of what life has to offer.  You will come back feeling refreshed, relaxed and like you just experienced a little piece of heaven. 


Jenne G.

Packing for your trip to Mexico may seem fairly easy when you first start thinking about it.  I am sure like most people you automatically start thinking about what swim suits you need to bring and what sandals will work best with them.  After traveling to Mexico I have put together a list of what I think are essentials for your trip.  This list includes items that you need for days when you go to the beach as well as clothes that will work great for any excursion that you may decide to go on.  I am going to split this list into different categories just to make sure that we cover everything. 

Clothes

1.  At least 2 bathing suites. For women I would also recommend taking a one piece as well for any snorkeling or scuba diving that you might do.

2.  Casual clothing, this includes shorts, tank tops, t-shirts, for women I would also recommend sundresses and summer skirts.  I would also pack a pair of workout shorts or yoga pants for any hiking that you might do.

3.  Don’t forget something a little dressier to wear to dinner.  For women this could be a dressier sundress, capris, skirts and nice sandals or shoes.  For men this should be a nicer shirt with a collar, a pair of khaki shorts or some that are a little nicer, or a pair of long pants.

4.  I would recommend bringing a light jacket or sweater just in case it cools off, this is also something that you can wear on the airplane and don’t have to pack in your bag. 

5.  Shoes, flip flops, nicer sandals for dinner and comfortable walking shoes for any sightseeing that you might do.

6.  For the ladies I would recommend a swim suit cover up.  This is helpful for your walks to the pool or the beach, or if you decide to grab a bite to eat while you are on the beach. 

Accessories/Toiletries

1.  Sunglasses

2.  Hat

3.  Sunscreen.  I would recommend bringing a very high level of SPF.  Even if you don’t tend to burn in the sun where you live this is a different climate and you don’t want to risk being miserable with a sun burn during your trip. 

4.  A beach towel.  Some hotels provide these free of charge and others do not.  It is easy to fit this into your suitcase and it is one less thing that you have to worry about once you arrive. 

5.  Your usual toiletries, toothbrush, toothpaste, razor, shampoo, conditioner and soap.  I would also recommend that women bring an after sun moisturizer for your face.  Wearing a lot of makeup isn’t necessary and this will feel great after a nice day in the sun. 

Misc.

1.  Your camera, in addition to your regular camera I would also recommend an underwater camera.  The sea life is truly beautiful and you will want to capture what you are able to see.

2.  A small bag to bring your goodies that buy while on your trip home. If you are planning on packing stuff that you buy in your suitcase and you might possibly buy breakable items I would suggest bringing a small amount of bubble wrap if possible to wrap this in for the trip home in your bag.

4.  Of course you will want to bring your passport and photo ID. I would also recommend calling your bank to tell them that you are traveling if you plan to use your visa/debit card. This allows the bank to put this update on your account and avoids a possible hold being placed for transactions that are being made outside of your normal area.

That’s it, once you have everything packed and ready to go sit back and relax and get ready to enjoy a vacation that is truly magical and that you will never forget!