(content by Hamna H)
Imagine sandy white beaches, crystal-clear turquoise water, and swaying palm trees. All of this awaits you when you visit Playa del Carmen. Situated on the Caribbean Sea along Mexico’s Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen is the ideal tropical vacation getaway. Check out this list of helpful tips to make planning your trip a breeze.
- You Can Use Online Services to Find the Best Flight Deals
The first step in getting to Playa del Carmen is booking your flight. Sorting through endless airline webpages to find a cheap flight is time-consuming, and you’re not always guaranteed a low price if you do it on your own. The subscription-based company, Next Vacay, is a great way to find cheap airline tickets. As soon as a flight that originates from your home airport shows up in their database, you’ll receive an email alert and a link to the flight information so you can book directly with the airline.
- There Are Different Ways to Travel From the Cancun Airport
Once you arrive at Cancun International Airport, about 45 minutes north of Playa del Carmen, it’s pretty easy to get to your lodging. You can rent a car, take a shuttle bus, or hop in a taxi. If you’re taking a taxi, look for cab drivers holding signs saying they have proper authorization and licensing to drive tourists to their destination.
- Enjoy the Beach Safely
One of the main reasons visitors come to Playa del Carmen is to enjoy the gorgeous beaches and warm water. Because the beaches are on the Caribbean Sea, there are seldom big waves, so wading and swimming close to shore are generally safe.
The main beach in Playa del Carmen has a few lifeguards, but it’s always a good idea to have a life vest or water wings on the kids. The sun can get quite hot in Playa del Carmen, so try to stay in the shade as much as possible, and wear a hat and sunscreen to help avoid getting a sunburn.
- Bring the Kids Along
Playa del Carmen is definitely a kid-friendly location. Many of the resorts cater to families with kiddy pools, daycare facilities, and kids’ clubs. Staying in a family-friendly resort is a great way to experience Mexico’s Caribbean vibe in a safe way. The whole town is actually quite safe, but as with any travel destination, just be sure to keep your valuables secure in your hotel room.
- Enjoy Diving and Jungle Tours
Scuba divers and snorkelers flock to the area to enjoy the miles and miles of coral reefs that lie just off the shore of Playa del Carmen. Numerous dive boats are available to take you out to the reefs. There are also plenty of scuba instructors that can teach you how to dive and give you your diving certification. The jungles outside of Playa del Carmen hold stunning Mayan ruins, and you can join one of the many tours available that take you to see Tulum, Chichen Itza, or the less-visited Coba ruins.
Playa del Carmen is a destination that you’ll want to return to over and over again. The beauty of the sea and jungle, the fabulous food, and the warmth of the local people will win your heart.
(Photo via Flickr by daryl_mitchell)
