Hi! We are heading to Cancun and can't wait! Any suggestions on places to visit with the kids? Restaurants? Spas? Beaches for snorkeling?
Please share what you've enjoyed while visiting!
Oh, and just for kicks, has anyone stayed at any of the Royal Resorts?
And with regards to the water in Mexico, (Cancun) do you normally avoid it all together if you are staying in the hotel zone? Do you brush your teeth with the water? Eat salads that have been washed with the water? Have drinks with ice cubes? Please share!
Thanks!
I've never been, but one of my best friends honeymooned there and came home with a nasty case of dysentery. DO NOT eat soup! That's what did it to her! (They didn't boil the water before making the soup.) She spent a month with her mother being handled like a baby, she was so sick. A terrible beginning to marital "bliss"!
Sorry, but just had to tell ya!
Dawn
Yes, we stay at the Royal Resorts with our kids. My husband and in-laws have stayed there for over twelve years now and we love it. We've never had a problem with food or water, but I'm always cautious and bring bottled water to the pool and stock the fridge in the hotel room. The hotels have mini-marts where you can buy your water and other necessities. As for the beaches, they're lovely, but there are a lot of seashells, so I would bring some water shoes so you don't cut your feet. Not sure how old your kids are, but the ruins and http://www.xcaret.com/attractions are a fun place to visit. Keep in mind these are all-day events and the concierge at the front desk provides shuttles and packages for the guests. The Sands Resort, which is a part of the Royal Resorts, has an amazing spa, and you can take a free shuttle over to the Sands ... it's about three hotels down. There is also a mall close by the Royal Resorts that has high-end shops that are always fun to check out. As for downtown Cancun, I wouldn't take my kids down there ... very iffy. I hope you have a wonderful time. If you have any more questions, you can send me a private message. Toni
I drank the water in the hotel zone with no problem. I also had ice cubes in my drinks in the non-tourist part of the city and was fine. That said, I have travelled quite a bit, and my system might have been used to the bugs. it's hard to say.
And we stayed at the Royal caribbean and loved it. Have fun!
It's been many years since we went to Cancun...before Hugo blew through, so I understand several places we visited are no more. That said, the ruins at Tulum are still intact and make a great day trip.
As to drinking the water, I seem to remember being told this city had it's own water purification system, unlike many cities in Mexico. We drank the water, ate citrus and salads (not wise in some areas), etc and never got sick. If you're concerned, exercise caution when not in the hotel zone.
You should be able to obtain lots of information through your travel agent or any local book store that carries travel information on Mexico Not sure if Frommer's makes one for that area, but you can most certainly find out. AAA is another good resource for information if you're a member.
I've been to the Cancun area four times. I've never been sick during or after. I brushed my teeth with the water and ate salads and had drinks with ice cubes. I also did not overeat, or drink too much. Most people I know eat and drink alcohol excessively while in Mexico and then blame their stomach troubles on "the water".
We spent our time on Isla Mujeres, an island a 20 min ferry trip out from Cancun, so I can't recommend activities in Cancun. If you have time, a day trip to the island is great. The beaches are nice, the whole place is less hectic and the salespeople less aggressive there. You can rent a golf cart and tour the whole island in one day, with a stops at the North beach, Garrafon Park, and the sculpture garden.
