Going to Cancun... advice?

I didn't wanna create one on top of the Cuba thread... but hey, someone created a Dominican so I figured why not.

Honestly I'de like some advice. I got all the needed shots so if anyone can recommend anything to do there I'de appreciate it. Oh and sorry for the 3rd thread of the same type.

LOL, maybe I should start a going to bed ...advice? thread.

Anyhow depends what you want to do while you're there. If you're going for the partying than stay on the strip at Cancun. Otherwise check out the Riviera if you're interested in sprawling all-inclusive resorts and a more relaxing mostly beach vacation averaging an hour from Cancun.

Well, here's three quick things I remember from Cancun.

1) Bring a few copies of your the travel brochures and all related travel documents for the resort (I presume you're staying at a resort) you're staying at. When we went there, the hotel we were staying at tried to weasel us into a downgraded room. Not anything like in the pictures or described in the brochure. I'm not exaggerating when I say the promised 2 queen sized beds turned into 2 single beds. It was hard to argue with them since they took our travel "vouchers" that had the details of what our room was supposed to have (ie. 2 queen sized beds, ocean view, air conditioning, etc.). If you have copies then you can always point out to the hotel people what you're missing. And, if you have the brochures then you can *show* them what the room is supposed to look like.

2) If you are planning to Scuba or Snorkel, DO NOT GO TO SCUBA CANCUN. DO NOT!! They tried to rip us off big last time we were down. We had pre-booked open-water diver exams, and when we finished they tried to pass off a lower classification of diving license - Sport diver, I think its called. Not only that, but the people there weren't very friendly and their equipment was horrible. My BCD had a problem where there was a slow leak and would constanly fill up with air. I suggest going with Aqua World. Much nicer people and much newer / better equipment.

3) It goes without saying, but only carry what cash you need. Its not so much that you'll be robbed or pickpocketed, but its all about how much people will take you for. You're able to bargain a little bit in the side markets and even to some people who work at the side of the street selling tours and such. If you're flashing big ganster rolls, then of course they're gonna charge you an arm and a leg for everything - they know you have lots of $$! If you only have a small amount of money on you, people aren't as likely to take you for a ride. If you realistically only have $60 US on you and you really really want to go swim with dolphins, then maybe the tour guy will give you a break and only charge you $60 (I'm just making up numbers here, I forget how much they charge). And if you insist of carrying your money around in a roll, put $1's on the outside so that people don't know how much you really have.

That's all I can remember, but I'll post more later if I come up wth anything. Have fun in Cancun! Its a very nice place. Make sure you get a resort that's on the beach and not the Lagoon (I think almost all are on the beach though)...

Condoms,Pepto,Gravol!
Stick to everything that the hotel says is free dont purchase any packages or timeshares.
Bargain like there is no tomorrow,dont be afraid to walk away.
Cancun is not for families well mostly people go to drink party and have sex did i mention orgies?
Take the bus 6 cents it either goes up or down so you should'nt get lost.

Awesome thanks for the posts guys, especially Jus! I'll make sure the resort doesnt screw me and the cash thing too. Thanks!

Jus makes a few good points. I'll repeat an important one, avoid the lagoon side, there's only a few crappy resorts on that side (Cancun stip). Cozumel (nearby island) is the best area if you want to go scuba diving or snorkelling.

Originally Posted by ilfsoy

Jus makes a few good points. I'll repeat an important one, avoid the lagoon side, there's only a few crappy resorts on that side (Cancun stip). Cozumel (nearby island) is the best area if you want to go scuba diving or snorkelling.

Thanks man. I'm actually going to Oasis Cancun. I hope its good.

Hey, I just remembered something related to my 2nd point. If you're going down there just for your diving exam (ie. from PADI, NAUI, etc.) make sure you bring multiple copies of the documents. It was very very difficult for us to get our *original* documents back from Scuba Cancun. They made every excuse NOT to give them back - "Oh the instructor who has them is on her day off." "Oh, the instructor has them at home. She forgot to bring them to work" "Don't worry, we'll fax them right to your hotel". Can you tell it was a nightmare? It was also a good $300 USD down the drain from them...

Anyway, I'm rambling again... and ranting about how we got ripped off. Don't be afraid of Cancun. Its a very nice place to go. Beaches are very beautiful and spectacular. Also, the city is very modern and up to date - they have a BMW dealership and a Walmart!

Originally Posted by ainsane

Thanks man. I'm actually going to Oasis Cancun. I hope its good.

If i remember correctly it's ok. I think it is one of the noisy spring break hotels. If that's your objective than go for it, you won't see a lot of the hotel anyway. It's on the ocean.

Originally Posted by ainsane

Thanks man. I'm actually going to Oasis Cancun. I hope its good.

Hey man, I was there in December. Quite nice, but nothing compared to Oasis Grand.

Man, it's hard to believe I haven't been for over 5 years. Most of the tips I used or learned at the time are probably outdated, but you might get some mileage from these:

- BYOB: liquor, beer is cheapest at the supermarket that's about 1 or 2 blocks SW of the touristy market area downtown, and at the Wal-mart Superstore a few minutes drive south of downtown (the only other building I've ever been inside that comes close to Boeing's hangar in Everett for square footage on one level). It's worth the trouble if you're going to consume and/or bring back a lot.

- If you want to see a lot of wild iguanas, on a sunny day they're all over the place at the Mayan ruins near Club Med at the south end of the hotel zone (admission about $3).

- Local buses are very cheap and make an extremely interesting experience. Every driver has their own way of demonstrating their colourful personality and they drive as if they were paid according to the number of times they complete a run during their shift. Just try not to go during afternoon rush hour, it's packed with sweaty locals of both genders who don't believe in splurging on deodorant.

- If you must wear glasses and are jealous of everyone being able to snorkel, or wonder what it would be like to go diving, consider an underwater scooter: http://www.cancunbob.com/bob1.htm . It's pricey but worth the unique opportunity, the video is decent quality visually and production-wise (runs about 20 minutes, everyone makes several appearances) and is ready within hours, and you can see some pretty neat marine life down there.

- Chichen Itza is worth a side trip if you just have to climb a pyramid or want to get up close to some of the ruins. A couple of buildings are behind ropes but from what I understand from friends who've gone since, Tulum is practically completely roped off and not as extensive. If you find the price between tours of these two sites is within $10 US, Chichen's a no-brainer.

On the way back to Cancun our tour bus stopped in a tiny village to do some shopping, there were actually some decent deals to be had. One guy picked up a solid 18 inch machete with a wide, 1/4" blade for $12 US. Of course, that won't fly these days but you get the idea...

- If you get tired of all the people or want to get away for some peace and quiet, go to Isla Mujeres. The slow ferry is about $2 one-way and takes 40 minutes, but you have to first ride a local bus north to Puerto Juarez to reach the ferry dock. The beaches there are as good as any place you'll find in Cancun. Speaking of beaches, take a small clear closeable bottle to bring some sand home in.

- A yarda from Senor Frogs makes a good gag souvenir. If you go during the afternoon and ask nicely, sometimes they'll give you one for free. (I scored two this way! ) Be prepared for them to try and sell you one for about $3-4 US though.

there's some good forum chatter here:

http://www.caribbean-on-line.com/for...ribforum.shtml

awesome advice on this thread
im thinkin of going to cancun with the guys in august
is august a good time? or is it better to go during the summer months?
which hotels do you guys suggest i should check out?
right now im looking at TuCancun
and
Omni Cancun Hotel

ohh yea is it better to go with all inclusive or anything else?
yea this is our first time travelling out of canada

My girlfriend went to Cancun back in November and they stayed at the RIU CANCUN a 5 star, all inclusive resort. My girl said she had a great time with her sister and I'm gonna be going there with her in October.

Enjoy your vacation.

Originally Posted by peoples_Flip

My girlfriend went to Cancun back in November and they stayed at the RIU CANCUN a 5 star, all inclusive resort. My girl said she had a great time with her sister and I'm gonna be going there with her in October.

Enjoy your vacation.

how much did she pay? i just found another hotel called Park Royal Piramides Cancun its only $1169 + taxes all inclusive for a week.
i