Resort Transfers...what do I do?

Alright you got off the plane, made it through immigration, baggage claim and through customs. You have all your stuff and don't know what to do?

Apple Vacation is our operator and as part of your all-inclusive resort package it also included a Round-Trip transfer from the airport to the resort and yes back again (did you not pay attention, round-trip). As indicated in your documents we are suppose to walk out of the airport secured area for ticketed passengers and find the Apple Vacation representative who has an ID badge, dresses in a flower Hawaiian style shirt & pants. But be cautious, there are IMITATORS and HUSTLERS trying to hit on you to sign-up for timeshare opportunities, transportation services and who knows what other "you don't want to miss this deal of a lifetime opportunity, mi amigo". Stop! Focus! And look for the person who should be ID with the Apple Vacation regardless of their colorful shirt and uniform. You're looking for APPLE VACATION and going to the NOW Jade Riviera Cancun Resort...remember that, muy importante!

Once you connect then you should be fine...the ride is about 20-30 minutes from the airport. So relax and catch your breathe....breathe in & breathe out!

Photos provided by Flickr:corsiphotos

Transportation...Taxi, Bus, Collectivo oh my?

Our resort will be a wonderful haven from the hustle and bustle of the tourist, cruise ship visitors and other people invading the local scene. However if the local town is what you want -- you will need to get transportation. So what are your options?

Well I believe it's about just under 2miles, about 1.7 miles from our resort to Puerto Morelos walking on the beach. If driving it's 5 miles taking the twisty roads, 6.5 take the 307 straight highway..and I did find this information which says it's just under 4 miles if you walk the beach...soI'm not quite sure if it is 2 or 4miles. This will be a task to find out once we get there. So the taxi may be our best bet at this point! I saw information that there is a max of 4 in a taxi cab, still more tidbit of info.

Other optional modes of transportation to get further down to places like Cancun or Playa del Carmen are also colectivos which are vans that run north & south (pending which side youstand on the highway) from approximately 5am to 10pm. Many of the local hotel workers use this mode of transportation. So keep in mind that start & finish work hours can be busy times and crowded...plan accordingly.

There are also buses that you can take as well. Check out more information on TravelYucatan.com or this other helpful website by a local bookstore in Puerto Morelos

called almalibrebooks.com

Photo provided by Flickr.Avodrocc

Renting a Car... are you?

People do it .... but do your research and be prepared!

It's my understanding that the Yucatan peninsula is pancake flat and fairly easy driving. Although the side roads maybe unmarked and not in the best conditions as you might expect with USA standards. So stay on the main road and highways. I understand the toll roads in Mexico are very expensive and driving at night should be avoided as often local pedestrians, trucks, carts and bicycles are rarely lit. Also note that in towns such as Cancun and Playa del Carmen it may be difficult to maneuver driving and so know that public transportation are plenty and may be the way to go.

Still serious about renting a car? Heard it was cheaper to set it up in the states before you leave. But I'll let you do the comparative research on this.

The Website Travel Yucatan has an extensive information regarding car rentals, auto insurance & coverages, driving regulations, things to know etc. The laws and also the police have their ways that are very different then the USA. Remember, you are not always "not guilty" as you are in the states. So be very cautious and know what you are getting into. I would definitely check this and some other research before you do anything that locks you in!

I personally came across reasons that didn't make me feel comfortable about driving around in Mexico. GAS SCAMS & potential police speed tickets/bribes. So my option was to organize a couple of excursions and then consider taking a taxi with someone to split the cost if I had the need to venture out. Still serious about this adventure? You might want to contact Russell or Randy as I understand they were thinking about it.

Photo provided by Flickr.elliterati