Mexico

Did you know it was recently National Tequila Day? Coincidentally that same day, Hubby and I went out to dinner to a new Mexican restaurant by our house. Somewhere between the tequila and lime cocktails, fresh Mexican food, Latin music playing in the background and the warm summer sun on my skin, I was left feeling very nostalgic. Aside from my beautiful hometown of Krakow, one of the places I miss traveling to most is Mexico. Normally, we try to plan a trip once a year to Playa del Carmen, Mexico, but like many things, this year it had to be postponed. I must admit, this whole situation has really made me realize that with the affordability and ease of getting to Mexico from Chicago, I have taken it for granted. It is crazy to think that I have been fortunate enough to travel to Mexico almost every year since I was in High School. Going to Mexico for me was just like a trip to another state in the U.S. and I just assumed it would always be there for me to go to. Over the years I have travelled to Puerto Vallarta, Cabo, Cancun, Puerto Morelos and Playa del Carmen. I even got married in Puerto Morelos, but of all these places, Playa del Carmen holds a special place in my heart.

The minute you step off the plane, you are greeted by the Caribbean smell lingering in the air. For some, the air smells musty, but for me it’s this combination of humidity and salty ocean water that just completely takes you over. Sometimes, on warm summer days in Chicago, I can close my eyes, feel the warmth of the sun, and that Caribbean smell comes back to me. In those moments I can transport back to Playa del Carmen, even if its just for a second. It is hard not to be hooked on Mexico, and especially Playa del Carmen. The locals are very proud of their culture, and there is a long list for why they should be. From the Latin music that just forces you to get up and dance, to the flavorful food, the beautiful ruins, and of course the Ocean and beaches, they have a lot to be proud of. But, most importantly, that pride translates to a kindness and hospitality, that makes you want to stay in Mexico forever.

 

So how do you get there from Chicago? You first have to take a quick three hour flight from Chicago to Cancun and then, depending on traffic, Playa as the locals call it, is another hour or less drive. Playa and Cancun are located in the part of Mexico known as the Riviera Maya, which is a stretch of Caribbean coastline in the Yucatan Peninsula. The area is most known for offering many all inclusive hotel options along stunning beaches, but Playa itself also offers many boutique hotels and apartment rentals for every budget. If you are not familiar with the all inclusive concept, it basically means that for one price, your hotel, flight, transportation to and from the airport, and unlimited food and drinks at the hotel are all included. Tips at the hotels are optional, but we always tip (people there make little and work so hard, so they deserve it).

The price per person from Chicago can really range depending on what type of hotel you are looking to stay at (three, four or five stars) and the time of the year you are going. Traveling around holidays will tend to cost more. Prices for a 7 night stay usually average $900 to $1,400 (and up) per person for a three to five star hotel.  If you travel with kiddos, they stay for free at most hotels up to the age of 12! If you do the math, it really is affordable. It is no wonder all inclusive deals are popular and one of the first vacations my Mom was able to take me on as kid (back then I remember you could even find a deal for $700!).

But, why do I love Playa del Carmen? When Playa was first put on the tourist map, it was this sleepy little fishing village that has now become the fastest growing city in Latin America. It is completely safe and even has a large expat community from all over the world. Seriously, as long as you don’t go looking for trouble it is safe! We have taken taxis from our hotel into town and even walked to town from our hotel and never felt unsafe.The main street of Playa Del Carmen is Quinta Avenida (5th avenue) and it runs parallel to the beach, serving as the main pedestrian walkway. It has a very modern/European feel to it, but it is also very Mexican at the same time.

Walking along Quinta and its surrounding side streets, you can find everything from cafes, great restaurants, nightlife, outdoor malls, and vendors selling trinkets/souvenirs and art. Of course your backdrop is the beautiful Caribbean with turquoise water and beautiful beaches with white sand (there are also a couple of beach clubs near the shore, although I have not been to one in years). Fair warning, some of the vendors can be aggressive in trying to sell their products, but a simple “no gracias” (no thank you) or simply ignoring them does the trick and they leave you alone.  What I also love about this area is that it is close to places like Tulum if you want to explore Mayan ruins or Xel-Ha natural water park for snorkeling. You can even take a quick ferry over to Cozumel for the day. It really does have something for everyone and the people are always beyond kind. Of course as I always recommend when traveling, learning a couple of phrases in the local language goes a long way. Try saying a simple Hola (hello) and watch the locals faces light up with joy. Just try it!

Traveling to Playa Del Carmen, we always stay at an all inclusive due to the ease and cost effectiveness, but we go into town almost daily for shopping, dinner or just to go out at night. However, I have promised myself that one of these days, I will stay at a boutique hotel in town just to be closer to Quinta where all of the action is. Once we are back to traveling, I will post a complete guide to Playa del Carmen and the area/hotel we usually stay at (complete with tips on how to find the best bargain of course!). In the meantime, I am going to go make myself a tequila and lime cocktail, put some Latin music on, and go sit outside with my eyes closed, and let the memories and the smell and sound of the ocean come back to me. Hasta la Proxima Mexico!