I am starting to compile recommendations for families who would like to travel in this beautiful area of Mexico. This is the main motivation behind this blog, hoping that it might inspire others to give it a try.
I know that this country is not getting good press, and based on all the bad news in the media a lot of people have serious reservations about coming here for a vacation. So my first tip would be to consider that Mexico is a big country, and a lot of areas are very safe for you and your children. I have been coming to the Yucatan peninsula for 25 years, a few times on my own, and I never had a major problem to report.
The Mexico I know is very different from the one depicted in the newscasts. With the exception of Cancun (which I avoid altogether), the Yucatan peninsula is tranquil and safe - and people here are friendly and kind. The people is actually the part I love the most. Sure, it helps to speak Spanish... but even a fairly limited knowledge of the language will go a long way here.
If you are planning to travel in this part of Mexico, don't be scared to rent a car and explore. Driving around Yucatan is a fantastic way to discover it's true spirit, going through pueblos and ranch land. In this 3 month adventure, the driving was certainly one of the highlights for the four of us. So get yourself a good road map - and stick you neck out!
Now that you think that it might be a good idea to come this way with your family, there are 2 basic things I highly recommend to make your traveling more comfortable. The first one is a roof bag for your rental car. It does not require a rack to install it on the roof, it's easy to pack in your luggage when you fly in, it is waterproof, and the price is right for the convenience it provides. We place our clothing luggage on the roof, which leaves a lot of room in the trunk. I ordered ours at www.roofbag.com (the best I found), and they delivered to our Toronto home within 4 days.
The other item is a cooler. A styrofoam cooler is perfect, you can purchase one for about $5 when you get to the grocery store here. Get a pack of garbage bags to double line it, a bag of ice, and you have a mini fridge in your trunk! Cold beverages, bread, cold cuts, cheese and fruit. We traveled this way for 2 weeks around Quintana Roo and Campeche 3 years ago, and it was a very good way to save money, control what we eat, and when to eat. In rural areas, you may not find a restaurant for miles.
So that's pretty much my two cents worth for the traveling part. Next tips will be on accommodations - one of my favorite subjects!
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