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Maybe, but I build it into my budget and it's something I want to do.
I'm picturing Uruk-Hai as Al Czervik. "here you are, kid, park by car, get my bags, and put on some weight, will you."
Interesting. Where I stay there a lot of Mexicans and they often treat the staff like garbage. It's kind of infuriating.
The Europeans tend to, also. Especially the Spaniards. There's definitely a caste system and the folks of Mayan descent are at the bottom of it.
Yeah, you can definitely get a feel for the peninsulare/creole, mestizo, etc. social structure that still exists from colonial days. Darker the skin and less Euro looking, the lower the respect. Wealthier pale skin, Euro looking Mexicans with money from Mexico City act like they are royalty.
I think the $1 a drink thing is going away. I think the better way to handle this, if you just want to do the charity thing is on the last day bring an envelope to those that you know, not just a blanket make it rain deal.
Where I stay most of the drinks and things are on my card, so I add gratuity when I sign the bill so that makes it discreet and simple. As for the bell boys, I tip them cash when they help him. It's discreet but no different than America, if someone carries your bags, you tip. For the maids, massuese, etc. there are tip envelopes to take care of them at the end of the stay, massage, etc.culdeus said:
Hell, you even see it among the work force, so the folks who own these places aren't immune. Management and most of guest services look like they came straight from Madrid. Bartenders, security, and the bellhops are kind of a middle-caste. Maintenance, pool boys, housecleaning,and buffet workers are all Mayan. There is a TINY bit of crossover, but very very little.Ilov80s said:
Tulum is worth a trip. Can do the ruins if you'd like, Akumal for snorkeling/sea turtle swimming on the way back.
I always enjoy taking the kids to Xcaret for the day. They love the whole swimming with the sting rays and dolphins stuff. A little pricey but I find it very nice. There's a area along the ocean where they have hammocks which is just so chill at dusk. They built these pools next to the rock wall there so you can just hang out and the kids can play in those looking for little sea creatures while the waves are rolling in.
Is Xcaret the one that also does the dinner/night show? I've heard that was awesome.
they do a show, but i didn't do it. my parents and kids did so i can't speak for the quality but i think the big problem is that show runs pretty late. we did it the first year, but skipped it this year. i'd say from the vibe i got, it wasn't worth it.
You mentioned you're going with a group, check these guys out: https://www.h2ohcruises.com/
Went there 2 years ago. Maybe it was just the week we went but it seems catered more towards people looking for a really quiet vacation. Its pretty small with almost no entertainment. You're also not getting that part of cancun with the nice beach.
Just curious, what time of year did you go? We are looking at Dec 22-29, so we'd be there for Christmas Day, I wonder if that might affect the people there and the activities. Also my CPA-wife will be looking for a little bit of peace and quiet while she prepares herself for Busy Season! Ho
We went in June. I'm just not sure what there would be for your kids to do compared to some other places that I've stayed. There's really nothing going on at night other than a small show a few nights. There's no teen club or hang out area for older kids. They have a cenote which is neat for one kayak ride and you can kayak a little in the ocean but that's really only going to kill a few hours. I'm not sure the actual nature park activities. The beach is pretty weak considered where the hotel is located along the coast. Unlike the hotel district, you're going to have the more typical Caribbean blue ocean with waves. There's a lot of lemurs (kuwaitas) that I've literally seen steal a whole pizza that was right next to a guy by the pool and iguanas of various sizes which are neat. I'd say the restaurants are pretty standard. I'm not really a big fan of all-inclusive restaurants in general so I'm a poor judge but that seems what you get at most of those resorts.. I personally prefer a bigger resort b/c you're just going to have more options. The buffets will be bigger, menus seem to be bigger and the variety of restaurants is greater.
Things could always be worse. You could be in disney that week. Now I love disney, but that's just a sea of humanity there during that time.
I love my kids. That's why I wouldn't take them to Disney that week.
I posted this in the other thread...bshell27 said:
The Valentin turned out to be a home run. We had a swim-up suite, so mornings consisted of breakfast at the buffet, back to the room to coat ourselves in sunscreen, then out to the patio to lay on our chaises and then float in the pool. Waiters were coming by constantly to keep our glasses full and bring food. Maid service was top notch, twice a day.
both awesome.
are you genuinely limiting yourself to cancun proper and that resort because you're concerned for your safety? if so, maybe just go to florida? they have beaches and warm water and you can still get mexican food.
You will probably not find isla all that interesting. There's not just a ton to do there. You rent a golf cart and doot around and shop a bit. See some tourist trap type stuff and take some photos.
No....we're going with a big group to an all inclusive. Some are taking the "Travel Advisory" very literal....even though Cancun is way down the priority on the advisory.
ah- a group.
I've stayed in the house that this picture was taken from (Casa del Sol). Loved snorkeling in the lagoon. Went in about three times a day while we were there.
we generally never travel with people, but this was a gift for friends who did us a huge favour. meals were a nightmare. they are eating salad and I am looking for short rib tacos, lobster, stone crabs, etc. I shouldn't have cared, but I felt a bit uncomfortable eating real food as they were grazing on the lawn.
there are times i like traveling with others, and times i just want family trips. yucatan is a great opportunity for fun with friends. did you get the bonus vegan lectures with your meals?
Its crazy Ive been researching vacations for weeks and FINALLY settled on Barcelo Maya Palace in July. Was about to book and was doing some final research and stumbled on that advisory. I think I'll just stick to the Bahamas. I dont want to worry about this. Its supposed to be my vacation.
