Whether it’s for spring break or just some fun in the sun, Cancun has a lot to offer. The weather tends to be good, there is plenty to do, and the wild nightlife is hard to top. But there are also a few things to keep in mind that may not occur to a lot of travelers ahead of time that can ultimately help save a few dollars and hopefully avoid some headaches.
Try to Avoid Buying Suntan Lotion in Cancun and Bring it from Home Instead
Suntan lotion is an absolute necessity when visiting any sun soaked destination, but it’s best to bring it from home. Suntan lotion is a fortune in the Hotel Zone and it’s not uncommon to see it selling for up to $30 USD for a typical sized bottle. If absolutely necessary, people can venture to some of the more mainstream stores off the strip to save a few dollars, but this involves a taxi or bus ride in to the main town and can be a very unnecessary time consuming process.
Stick With Bottled Water in Mexico
Although now most resorts have well developed filtration systems, bottled water is still probably the best way to go. It’s easy to find and cheap to buy, and most hotels usually include at least a few complimentary bottles in each room.
Tips Go a Long Way at Cancun’s Bars and Nightclubs
Most bars and nightclubs in the Hotel Zone offer all inclusive deals each night. This means that for one general admission price all beverages are included for the night. This also means that the staff works very hard for very little money. Although tipping is not generally required, it is very much appreciated and will usually transform adequate service in to extraordinary service.
This can be done per beverage, with a lump sum at the beginning of the night ($5 or $10 USD is usually enough), or even every few rounds of drinks for anyone planning to stay in the same place for a while. The waiters and bartenders also tend to keep track of which customers are tipping and those patrons tend to get served faster as the night progresses. Just be careful and use some discretion when throwing money around as this can also attract some of the less desirable elements that tend to frequent the club scene as well.
Take Some Time to Look Beyond the Bar Scene in Cancun
There is a lot to do in and around Cancun that doesn’t involve the bar scene or the beach. There are some great shopping malls such as La Isla and Luxury Avenue (both located on the main Hotel Zone strip) that are easy to get to from most resorts. The area is also near some spectacular Maya ruins such as Tulum and Chichen Itza that are well worth taking some time out to see.
Mexico Has Laws Too! Obey Them or Be Sorry
Mexico may have a reputation as a lawless free for all, but this is not the case. There is a visible police presence in Cancun and the bar strip is patrolled regularly. Anyone involved in illegal activity certainly runs the risk of being arrested and having to deal with all of the problems that follow. While it’s certainly true that there is a more liberal attitude towards many vices, it’s still best to avoid them altogether. Anyone who acts the same as they would at home should be fine.
Dylan Flanagan - Dylan Flanagan is a freelance writer based in Toronto, Canada. With a diverse range of work and life experience, he now writes on a ...
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