Mexico, with kids???

[1sttimedisneymom2009]

Hi there,

We took our daughter (6 then) to the Sandos Caracol Eco Resort in the Mayan Riviera. Fantastic family resort, waterpark lots of animals and a brand new kids club. Awesome beach as well.

 

[gower525]

DH and I went to Cozumel to Scuba last summer (without the kids). We took a day trip to Chichen Itza and were pretty disappointed. It was beautiful, but I expected something majestic and solemn. Instead, we were yelled/screamed at the entire time by vendors all over the park. I wouldn't take the kids. They were everywhere. I just didn't expect that. The trip took a total of about 15 hours including cab downtown, ferry to Playa, bus to Chichen, Lunch, tour, and repeat to get back to resort. We stayed at "Aura" - but that is an adult only. Cozumel is beautiful, but most of the beaches aren't the best for swimming/playing in the waves.

 

[arthur06]

The hard part now is trying to figure out the best time to go.

I don't want to go during the summer, but it's so hard to go during the school year. I know that it is a personal choice to pull kids out of school (we did it last year for out DCL Cruise), but there was only one child in school.

I was thinking the first week of June or possible doing it around Columbus day so there is at least one day from school that is scheduled off. Thoughts?

 

[jackie101]

The hard part now is trying to figure out the best time to go.

I don't want to go during the summer, but it's so hard to go during the school year. I know that it is a personal choice to pull kids out of school (we did it last year for out DCL Cruise), but there was only one child in school.

I was thinking the first week of June or possible doing it around Columbus day so there is at least one day from school that is scheduled off. Thoughts?

Thanksgiving time is reasonable if you book the air fair way in advance. Most schools are closed the day before/after Thanksgiving

 

[canadianjovigirl]

We are going Feb 15-25 this year and our kids will only miss 3 days of school due to holiday, teachers convention etc etc

We have been there in Sept, Nov, and June before and liked all of them. I tend to go when we can find a deal and it works with our schedules.

Just so many places to choose from

 

[2kidsForMe]

We are taking the kids to the Club Med in Cancun in January. My DH and I stayed at the Iberostar Tucan in Playa Del Carmen about 10 years ago and it was great. We got a very good deal for Club Med, pay for 3 days and get 7, but I think you have to book by Oct. 31st.

 

[shoney]

The hard part now is trying to figure out the best time to go.

I don't want to go during the summer, but it's so hard to go during the school year. I know that it is a personal choice to pull kids out of school (we did it last year for out DCL Cruise), but there was only one child in school.

I was thinking the first week of June or possible doing it around Columbus day so there is at least one day from school that is scheduled off. Thoughts?

I've been to the area 3 times in October, 2x in May and 1 in March. I prefer October. Yes, it is hurrican season, but just buy insurance and you'll be fine. It's not crowded and the weather is hot but bearable. May was very hot and a bit more crowded. March was good, but not hot enough. Being chilly on the beach in the morning isn't my idea of tropical! But on the other hand I don't think I could take the heat of the summer!

Out of the months I've been there...Oct has been the least expensive followed by May and then March was the most.

 

[CozumelDisneyFan]

Small, manageable (one road drives around the Island), ironshore beaches for snorkelling, long sandy beaches with beach clubs for play, we have 2 swim-with-dolphins locations, Chankanaab National Park is a great day of fun.

You would be a 40 minute ferry ride to the mainland with day trips to Xcaret...

I have lived here for over a decade and have NEVER felt unsafe!

Glad to help with any questions you may have.... and check our our local webletter to get an idea of whats going on down here....

www.cozumel4you.com

 

[nunzia]

We go in November..in 2 weeks actually. Hurricane season is almost over (hopefully) and although it is still hot and humid not horribly so.

 

[204charity]

We always stay at the Barcelo - Palace or Tropical, they are both great choices - but we let the prices's be our guide for which "level" to book. They are all on the same property - you can use all 5 hotels on the property if you stay at the Palace, that means all of their a la carte restaurants, pools, water slides etc. The Palace is EXTREMELY large - has an adults-only area for you to enjoy if the kids DO go to the Kids Club for a bit, but the Colonial/Tropical is just as nice, and their water park is JUST as beautiful. Their section of the hotel is slightly less spread out, so easier to navigate with small kids. There are multiple snack "huts" (they are really large open-air restaurants, not so much HUTS IMHO) on the beach - Mariachi's between the Tropical/Colonial and Captian Morgans down by the Beach/Caribe side - that snack hut is amazing - has a HUGE pirate ship bult right inside of it. If you want more information on their resort - you can check out this forum.

http://www.unofficial-barcelo-maya.com/forum/

Been a member for years and the "Barcelonites" will be more than happy to answer any questions you have! Their photos are here for you to view as well if you are interested!

http://unofficial-barcelo-maya.com/site/photosgallery/index.html

And their website -

http://www.unofficial-barcelo-maya.com/site/node/14

PS - First week of December/Last week of November is the BEST time to go - weather is warm, prices are CHEAP and when you get home - no post-vacay-blues cause you get to prepare for Christmas when you get back!!!

 

[arthur06]

Lots of great info, thanks!

 

[jodiey]

I've been to the Royal in Playa Del Carmen twice and LOVE it! They are an adult only resort but right across the street they have their sister resort which I believe is the Gran Porto Real Playa del Carmen. It has I'd say about 4 different restaurants and I know it had a kids club. It's also just about a 1 block walk to what they call "5th Avenue" which is a street of all different shops.

 

[1tricky1]

we did cancun last year and this year going to barcelo tropical in maya riviera.
it looks fantastic.
can wait

hope you find a suitable choice for this beautiful country and as a small town/city girl, i felt safe in mexico.
enjoy
vicky
penticton bc
barcelo tropical jan 30 -feb6

 

[edgarjcs]

Hello!

Well, let me explain you something that maybe others have said. Riviera Maya and Cancun are the main tourist focus for Mexico nowadays. The zone is protected by the mexican army. I am not saying it is the safest area of the world, but is very well protected.

I am not from Mexico. I am from Panama and I have been in Cancun twice and visited the Riviera Maya in each trip and I always felt safe.

Violence is concentrated in other areas like the U.S. borders so dont worry and enjoy one of the most beautiful places in the world.

Regards,
Edgar

 

[mommy2allyandaveri]

Check out the reviews on this site, specifically caters to families of 5.

http://www.vacationkids.com/hotelindex/hotelindex.php

 

[jiminyC_fan]

Another vote for Occidental Grand Xcaret in Playa Del Carmen. We have stayed there several times. The lagoon is excellent for kids to play in and safe. Another plus is the reduced rate to Xcaret, the park which is right next door is a 3 minute walk. There are animals on the property. HUGE pools. Swim up bar.

We adore Cozumel. We stay at the Allegro Cozumel once or twice a year. Thesandy beach, hands down, is the best beach on Cozumel. It has a nice "water park" for kids and a great playground. The down side of that is if you want toeat out a lot it is a cab fare to get to San Miguel. We like it because it is so relaxing. We don't feel the need to be IN town.

 

[arthur06]

So we have decided to plan for early November next year.

DS10, does not want to go. So we will make arrangements for him. So it will just be myself, DW, DS5, DS4 going.

Is there a benefit to renting a TS from an owner or is that no really worth it in Mexico? We do want the All-Inclusive option, is that available thru an owner rental?

Would i just be better off just finding a cash rental?

 

[momofrrr]

We stayed at Iberostar a couple of years ago and loved it. There was always something to do and never felt unsafe. We did go to Chichen Itza and loved it. The kids still talk about that day and would love to go again. It is a really nice middle of the road kind of place.

 

[Okobojien]

We have stayed multiple times at the Grand Palladium. It is a great place to go with kids. Fantastic kids club, beautiful beach. Lots to do. They have jr. suites that will accommodate a family of 5.

Check out the palladiumaddict (dot net) site for lots of info.

 

[teacup princess]

I've been to several all-inclusives in Mexico with adults and have never felt at any of the resorts or major tourist areas. However, I would never take my kids there. Not due to the safety concerns but due to the health care concerns. I saw a news story once about a family that was involved in a car accident in Mexico and the hospitals wouldn't take care of them because they deemed the accident to be their fault and they didn't have the cash with them to pay for their care. I have a kid with asthma so it's just not worth it to me. We'll vacation in the states.