Mexico

Exhilarating, alluring Mexico-so close, but still a world away. A country brimming with exotic sights, glorious colors, dazzling customs and people of unmatched warmth. No other land is so completely infused with the romance, charm and tropical delights you will find in Mexico.

Mexico is a travelers paradise, offering a thousand reasons to go. Desert landscapes, snow- capped volcanoes, ancient ruins, time-warped colonial towns, glitzy resorts, lonely beaches and eco areas, and 6,000 miles of sundrenched coastline. There is something for just about everyone.

The Yucatan Peninsula

The beach areas of the Yucatan Peninsula are often referred to as the Mexican Caribbean. Home to Cancun, and the Riviera Maya, and Cozumel, the Mexican Riviera offers turquoise waters and white sand beaches - a true paradise. Swimming and water sports compliment the sun and fun of the all-inclusive resorts.

For the best shopping and the most happening nightlife, head to Cancun. From here, beach resorts dot the southern coast, from Puerto Morelos, through the charming town of Playa del Carmen, and all the way to Tulum. For a more relaxed pace, consider these areas or possibly points offshore, such as Isla Mujeres and Cozumel.

A 45 minute boat ride from Playa del Carmen lies the island of Cozumel. The Chankanaab and Palancar reefs are just offshore and draw scuba divers from all over the world.

From all Destinations on the Yucatan Peninsula, ancient Mayan ruins are within easy reach and offer a refreshing change of pace from the beach.

The Mexican Riviera

On the western coast fronting the Pacific Ocean, lay the string of resort towns known as the Mexican Riviera. Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta, Manzanillo, Ixtapa, Zihuatanejo, and Acapulco offer golden beaches with incredible scenery.

The adjacent towns and villages range from glitzy Acapulco to the laid-back fishing village of Manzanillo. Here, shopping, dining, festivals, and rich cultural traditions compliment the beach scene.

The Baja California Peninsula

At the tip of the Baja Peninsula sits Los Cabos. Here, luxurious resorts nudge the desert, while sport fishing, golf and spa opportunities reign supreme.

Tulum	Xel-Ha
Paradisus Cancun Resort	Iberostar Pariso Lindo
Excellence Riviera Cancun	Dreams Tulum Resort
Secrets Capri	RIU Palace Cancun
Azul Beach Resort	El Dorado Royale Resort
Moon Palace Resort & Spa

More Resort & Hotel Information:

Click on the Travel Impressions button on the left to view a wide range of Resorts & Hotels that we offer.

Entry Requirements

Beginning January 23, 2007, all persons, including US citizens, traveling by air between the United States and Mexico have been required to present a valid passport.

All persons including U.S. citizens traveling by sea from a cruise port outside of the U.S. may be required to present a valid passport or other documentation, as determined by the Department of Homeland Security. If you are traveling with children, you may need additional documentation. Check (www.travel.state.gov/passport/) for more up to date information.

Travelers staying in Mexico for more that 72 hours need a Mexican tourist card, which is for a single entry for 180 days. The cost is included in your plane fare. You will need to surrender your tourist card when you depart Mexico for the U.S.

Currency

Most resort areas accept U.S. dollars. You can easily exchange your dollars for pesos at banks, major hotels, and exchange houses. Check with your hotel ahead of time.

Language

The official language of Mexico is Spanish. English is widely spoken.

Electrical Voltage

Mexico uses 110 volt AC for electrical power.

Climate

The weather is warm year-round., although sea breezes temper the summer heat. While the rainy season is May through October, it can fall in any month. The greatest chance for a hurricane or other unsettled weather is August through October. November through February is generally sunny, but can also be cloudy, windy and rainy.

What Kind of Clothes to Pack

We recommend checking the current weather conditions via internet or through a national weather TV channel. Mexico offers a wealth of water activities, so bring at least one bathing suit. Pack shorts and t-shirts. Casual but stylish resort wear is appropriate at the nicer restaurants. In addition, we recommend that you pack plenty of sunscreen and a hat when traveling to any tropical destination.

What is an All-Inclusive Program?

All-inclusive refers to a resort that offers everything at one price. Each all-inclusive plan differs from resort to resort, but for the most part, each will offer at least three meals a day (breakfast, lunch and dinner, either buffet style or a la carte) beverages (including select alcoholic drinks), non motorized motor water sports and equipment, and a large selection of entertainment selections. Some resorts will offer additional services, including but not limited to the following: Scuba lessons, spa services, unlimited top shelf alcohol brands, optional tours, golf, taxes and gratuities. While we try to be as specific as possible, please check with Honeymoons by Claudia for the most current resort information.

Do I need a lot of cash with me?

Of course, this is truly a matter of personal choice. If you stay at an all-inclusive resort, you may only need to bring money for incidentals. If you stay at a non all-inclusive resort, almost all will establish a guest folio with a credit card at the time of check-in, so the need to carry a lot of cash may not be an issue. U.S. dollars are easily exchanged for pesos in banks, major hotels, airports, and exchange houses. Most Mexican banks are open on weekdays from 9 AM until 2 PM. Exchange houses are open longer and offer quicker service (and usually a better exchange rate) than banks. Also, major credit cards are accepted throughout Mexico in hotels, shops, restaurants, golf courses, and tour desks. Should you need cash, ATM's are available, but distribute pesos.

Taxes and Tips

The Mexican government has a 15 percent tax on most items. A 15 percent gratuity is customary for most services.