So the stars have aligned themselves just right and my wife and I have book ed a trip to Cancun Mexico in August (I know, it's hurricane season then). We're going to be there for 8 days and I was wondering what things you would do. Chichen Itza is a must and so is Tulum. We also want to do Xel-Ha and Xcaret. Any travel advice?
One of my major concerns however is should I bring the nice camera or just my point and shoot. I don't want it to get stolen if I take the 30D, but I know I'd be kicking myself the entire trip if I didn't bring it. What are your thoughts?
Take a day trip to Cozumel too and go snorkeling. It's real close, take the ferry from Playa del Carmen (which is where I stayed). I'd take the good camera (we had a safe in our room), don't forget an underwater camera too. It's been quite a while since I've been there. But it is beautiful. Enjoy!
Coba is a cool spot, closer than cbichen and you can still climb the pyramids there. Don't worry about bringing the dslr. People there are friendly in general, and as long as you keep aware of your surroundings you'll be fine.
I would agree with those who say you should take the DSLR. Just use common sense, and don't set it down or let it out of your sight. I've walked through some pretty poor areas in Mexico with my camera (like Mahahual), and never felt threatened. I'll also second the notion of going snorkeling in Cozumel... beautiful stuff!
Thanks everyone, we're way excited. I would love to get an underwater point and shoot for $200, but that would be pushing it. I feel much better about taking taking the DSLR especially since our hotel room as insurance and I believe a safe as well. I just hope I take a minute from being behind the lens as I am going to go nuts with pictures, I'll need a few bigger CF cards too (not bringing the laptop for sure though).
Cozumel looks pretty neat, I am way excited to snorkel. I think that my wife and I may take a day trip to Isla Mujeres and rent some bikes there.
They have disposable underwater cameras. I used one when I went and they were pretty cheap, like $10. The pictures came out great since the water is so clear it lets in tons of light.
I've been to Mexico three times in twenty five years, and I love it more every time. We bought a time share on the Mayan Riviera this summer so we'll be going back more regularly. We went to Cozumel in late March of '94 and it was phenomenal. It's the island of the Mayan fertility goddess. My daugher, Eleanor was born in late December of '94. Hmm.....she has a tee shirt that says "Hecho en Mexico".......8>)
Mexico has come a long way from the third world country it used to be. They take caring for tourists very seriously, and the Mexican people are pretty much all very nice & helpful. There is lots to do, but be prepared......you'll have too much fun and you WILL hemorrhage money. But it's beautiful, and you will have a vacation to remember with minimal effort.
Get a good polarizer if you don't already have one. Take an extra battery if you can afford one. You never know when your battery may stop working. The disposable dunkable film cameras are a good idea too.
