Calgary -> Mexico in November
 

A bunch of friends and I are looking into going to Mexico in November. We were thinking all inclusive and were recommended Cancun. What I'm seeking is some advice and recommendations regarding getting the best deals and best location/resorts.

Any and all insights, tricks and sharing of experiences would be much appreciated!

Thanks

Dafunky1

How old are the people going? What are the interests? Partying, sightseeing, scuba ect..........

I'm going to the Wyndam in the Mayan Riviera in November (YEG plane makes a pit stop in YYC before landing in Cancun). Friends of mine have been to that area and raved about it. The rates in Nov. are fairly decent...

The people going are mid 20 to early 30 year olds. The interests seem to vary from partying to sightseeing to watersports. The group consists mostly of professionals..

What made you choose the Wyndam? Whcih tour company and how much did you pay?

Cancun: gov't manufactured city, great beaches, total hotel zone along beach separated from central party downtown with old section for original inhabitants before it went "Waikiki, MX." Average scuba, good snorkeling, great but expensive restaurants, all inclusives are good value but why do you want to stay at the hotel? Have to bus or taxi to downtown clubs (bus is cheap).

Playa Del Carmen: 1-1.5 hours from Cancun airport. European in style and visitors, smaller places you can walk to, central boardwalk, plus those who really know not to go to Cancun. Close to Mayan ruins in Tulum and the cenotes (flooded underground caves). Very good scuba. Excellent restaurants & not as expensive on average as Cancun.

Cozumel: Island across from the Yucatan mainland. Can ferry to Playa. Awesome scuba, average beaches but awesome wild water viewing on the back side of the island, where locals go... rent a jeep for the day. Very good scuba. Excellent restaurants & not as expensive on average as Cancun. Wonderful hotels along the strip from downtown to the cruise ship dock, with good pool action. Cheap taxis to downtown plaza area. Plaza Las Glorias hotel is a keeper! A scuba destination slowly being discovered by cruise ship day tourists.

An analogy you will understand (I'm an ex-Cowtowner): Cancun is Banff today. Cozumel is Banff 20 years ago. Playa is Jasper today.

They are all fun in their way. It's up to you! ;)

Also: Sun Country Airlines is an option to look into if you are building your own flights. They fly to Cancun and Cozumel from many U.S. cities, including Dallas. You may be able to get a cheaper total flight package combining AA or United out of Calgary, depending on how much research/juggling you want to do.

Only trouble with this is that you'll then have to pay Canada-U.S. AND U.S.-Mexico transborder fees and taxes. Either one of which is horrendous enough as it is, let alone Canada-Mexico fees & taxes which is ba enough already. Unless the savings are really good.....

I chose the Wyndam because of what seems to be good reviews on kiddo activities as well as having snorkeling at the resort. I was debating between several resorts in several different areas (including the Dominican) but some didn't have as many water activities or as positive reviews as this one.

This was through Signature and it was just over $1100.00, which seemed to be a good value for the price. I'm still mad at myself, as I snoozed one day too long and I had a line on an AC package to Cozumel for about the same price, and they sold out.

I'll post a review someplace after I'm back. I've cruised, but never done an all-inclusive resort-y vacation before.

Speaking of which, the carrier is Skyservice. I've never flown with them. Any feedback?