Going to Cozumel

[slcraiders]

So the wife and I are going to Cozumel in two weeks, I've never been to Mexico before. What should I keep my eyes open for to buy. Are there any good finds in Mexico, is it all about ripping off the tourists? Also anyone ever been to Cozumel? Do the same rules still apply to the water? How does that work for alcohol drinks, no ice?

Nate,

I was last in Cozumel in Oct. 05'. We were there on a longer vacation than planned because Hurricane Wilma (strongest ever measured in the Atlantic) hit. That thing sat on top of us for 36 hours at a Cat 4 and was the scariest single moment in my life. Cozumel was hit the hardest and I hope the beaches are back to the norm. If I were you, I would unband some cigars and take them with you. I do not recall a S.A. Habanos store on the island. The closest one, I think, is in Cancun. It is a very nice shop, but do not expect great prices there. Avoid other places for cigars because fakes run wilder than dogs in the Yucatan region. If you get a chance to go to Tulum, I would highly recommend it, Beautiful and quiet as is Cozumel!

I personally did not order any drinks with ice. I had my bourbon and Tequilla "neat". Several people had drinks on the ice or those fancy crushed ice drinks- "Miami Vice" seemed to be the most popular... ...none of them got sick. There are a lot of people trying to sell shit, but pay no attention to them in general. If you buy anything from them, save your soft spot for the families peddling belts and jewelry etc. It is their bread and butter. You will find that the people in Mexico are some of the most accomodating, kind and hardest working people anywhere. None of that stereotypical siesta lazy shit. Honestly, you will leave there with a deep appreciation of just how hard these folks work. However, you will be approached with Time Share opportunities mostly at the Cancun Airport and while walking the streets. Just nod and keep walking....

Enjoy! I cannot wait to go back myself. We owe it to the people there if nothing else...

[Newfie]

Nate, keep an eye out for the "Glass Tops", I'll split with ya if you can hook up!!!

As for the water, just get the shots before you go to be safe. We had shots for Hapatitus (SIC?) A & B before we went to Cuba last year. Don't remember the drug name, but it would probably be different in the US anyway.

Enjoy yourself.

[DeeDubya]

I can highly recommend the Diamond Resort on the Southern end close to the lighthouse. They have some very good "all inclusive" packages.

[prophetic_joe]

Thanks for the advice guys. We are staying at the Wyndham so I hope it's good.I'll take pics and post when I get back.

[bigtoys]

Just back from Puerto Vallarta. No worries about ice/water/veggies/salads in any of the restaurants that do a serious tourist business. May be different if you go to some small local restaurant; then I'd be careful. Don't think you need any shots. I smoked some Cubans that I got at my hotel; probably overpaid, but hopefully they were real.

Second the Tulum rec. There's also a park with snorkeling and other stuff called Xel Ha; we went there after Tulum. Have fun!!

Here's the link:

http://www.xel-ha.com/

[stjohnroe]

Xel-Ha is great, visited last year and it is a lovelly park. Nice fishies and got to see some rays.

[Kenyth]

Water at the resorts is as perfectly safe as water can be. You may get sick regardless of any precaution. It's very common when traveling. You are going to a new area with new native germs and a lot of people from all corners of the world carrying microbes from the homeland. Plenty of new germs around to be caught under those circumstances. Keep your hands washed and keep some OTC AD medicine in your pocket, just in case. The cigars in the resort cigar/booze shop are usually safe bets, but not cheap. All inclusive resorts are a blast! You just wander around, doing what you please, grabbing drinks and food along the way, with little or no cares about money. Can't beat that!

I recommend going on a bar crawl and going shopping at least once. Fun!

P. S. Make sure and take or buy a broad brimmed hat and sunscreen.