I can’t wait for the tacos.

My second?

I just love Mexican culture! And Acapulco, isn’t that the glamorous spot where Old Hollywood used to getaway? Oh, and…the tacos!

The third?

Is it safe?

This third thought only arrived after I announced I was going. Friends, family, and perhaps even you, dear reader, were quick to proclaim your hesitancy for me.

“Be careful!”

“Is that a good idea?”

And of course, “Have you watched the news recently?”

I raised my eyebrow as an outpouring of concern flooded my social media and inbox.

I am not a danger-defying, thrill-seeking person. In fact, until I began traveling, if anything I was the girl who played it too safe.
Now, I have been in some less-than-desirable situations over the years. It comes with the territory. Yet the only thing that can counter my deep-seated fears and ingrained instincts? Life experience. In this case, travel experience.

My approach to “it’s dangerous there!” (which by the way, people do say this about the U.S. and gun violence, and that doesn’t make us all feel at risk on a daily basis, but I digress) is now two-part:

One: Who can I talk to that has actually been there? Or better yet, is on the ground…
Two: The only way I’ll really know is if I go and see for myself.

The second approach is what keeps my mother up at night. It is part of the reason I’m headed to Colombia at the end of the month, despite initial concerns.

What I’m about to tell you may come as a bit of a shock, especially to those of you who have known me since I was a small child:
You have nothing to worry about.

Look, life is hard and the world is dangerous. We need to make efforts and be smart no matter where we are. The world is also endlessly fascinating, stimulating, and inviting, if we open ourselves up to it.  We cannot let the media or the unknown constantly decide for us.

There is so much beauty in the world — from places, to people, to experiences, and cultures. If we let fear and the voices of other dictate our choices or shape our outlook, we will miss most of it.

The older I get the more I realize — this is true for not just travel, but life. The best things are often hidden just out of reach — or, just overseas — and it is up to us to decide if we want to seek them.

So, is Acapulco safe to visit?

I learned that the violence portrayed in the media had never occurred in the seaside tourist zones, the areas for which Acapulco is famous. And while I don’t often recommend sticking to areas with tourist infrastructure alone, Acapulco is a place that relies heavily on tourism. The beaches draw tourists, certainly, but the zocalo/downtown retains its cultural feel. The people are friendly, warm, welcoming, and above all, proud of their home and eager to share its beauty with you. If anything, I think that makes this a better time to visit than in the past.

As for the rest, I’ll let the pictures speak for themselves….

Acapulco was revitalizing. I had no idea how it would go or who I would meet. As the trip unfolded, I witnessed daily life is lived in a different region of one of my favorite countries. I tasted flavors that told the story and rich, cultural heritage of a place. I ended up making some good friends on the trip — people I might never have encountered had I not been open to going. I’m grateful to Acapulco for reminding me of why I travel — and why I listen to experience and instinct over the opinions of others.
Acapulco is a beautiful corner of this earth. One I’m glad I didn’t miss out on. One I don’t want you to miss, either.

And the tacos?
Those were excellent, too.

What to See

• Revolcadero Beach
• Isla de la Roqueta (30 minute boat ride)
• La Quebrada cliff divers
• Fort of San Diego
• Diego Rivera mural (Calle Inalambrica)
• Laguna Tres Palos

What to Eat

• Pozole: green, red, white. Typically served on Thursdays!
• Pescado a la Talla
• Ceviche (or any fresh seafood!)
• Thai food/Asian fusion (what?) – Yes, Asian flavors such as mango, tamarind, and coconut came to Acapulco via historic spice routes. The cuisine is still alive and done well here. Zibu is a favorite spot.

Where to Stay

• Fairmont Acapulco Princess or Pierre Marquez
• Banyan Tree Cabo Marquez
• Resort Mundo Imperial
• Las Brisas Hotel

The post Gracias, Acapulco appeared first on Part-Time Traveler.

The island was a Mayan sanctuary to goddess Ixchel for about a thousand years.  If you find yourself in Cancun, but looking for something calmer and a little smaller in scale — with even better access to the natural beauty and culture of the Yucatan…the Isla is worth retreating to.

The laid back feel of Isla Mujeres translated to instant relaxation for me, so take a deep breath and come on a photo journey  there with me now.

The white powdery sands of Playa Norte…
Boat trips out on the warm Caribbean Sea…
Fresh fruit drinks and refreshing shade…
Uncrowded beaches…
Unique snorkeling and diving (Cancun Underwater Museum)
A thriving underwater world to explore…
SeaWalls street art and mural project…
Architecture…
And glimpses of local life…
Of course not without fresh seafood and fine Mexican cooking…

All topped off by a glowing sunset and dinner on the sand.
(Isla Mujeres Palace Hotel.)

Thank you to the Cancun CVB for hosting me. All opinions (and images) are fully my own.

Updated March 2019.

 << Check out more Day Trips from Cancun >>

The post Take Me To… Isla Mujeres appeared first on Part-Time Traveler.

Escape the resorts and see the best of the surrounding area.

I wanted to like Cancun. I really did.

Mostly because I love moments where you’ve begun a trip with low expectations, embraced a place, and realized your relationship to that location has changed due to your experiences.  To me, this is what travel is all about — not mindlessly listening to the opinions of others, but having the courage to keep an open mind and go and see for yourself.

But there was something about Cancun in particular that brought the traveling Scrooge in me.  Maybe it’s because I’m a Californian and the other side of Mexico is neighboring and familiar. Maybe it’s because I like to think the “spring breaker” portion of my life has passed.  Whatever the excuse, Cancun simply wasn’t high on my travel wish list.  So when I booked a spontaneous flight there to attend a travel media conference (TBEX,) I had mixed emotions about what to expect.

And while Cancun itself didn’t foster a change of heart, I did find it to be a great base for exploring a few places that did.

Traveling to Cancun does not have to mean umbrella drinks and compound-like, all-inclusive resorts.  While I enjoy free-flowing cocktails, buffets, and lounging on the beach as much as the next person, these things alone do not pique my interest enough to warrant time away from my life at home.  I needed to go deeper.

Luckily, if you’re brave enough to take to the Mexican roads, a healthy sense of adventure, history, culture, and tradition isn’t very far. Here are the best day trips from Cancun:

Many travelers head south to Riviera Maya, (more to come there) but I found heading west over into the Yucatan province to be a fascinating detour from the Cancun area.

Valladolid

For when you want to feel like you’re actually in Mexico

The best part about Valladolid to me was that I hadn’t heard of it before.  While it has become more popular as a stop on the road to Chichen Itza, it still feels like you’ve waltzed into the everyday lives of local people as opposed to something created for tourists. Though shops and restaurants clearly built as tourist infrastructure do exist, they’re easy to spot and avoid if you’re seeking something different.

I enjoyed walking along cobbled streets, pausing to talk briefly with others or take in the town square and cathedral.  The town feels more sleepy and traditional than catered to tourism, a welcome change.

And you know this is the place to get some real Mexican food.  My rule?  First, look for locals.  If you can’t see any eating where you’re looking, chances are your food will be more expensive and less tasty.  Then — search for the restaurant where the people taking your order don’t seem to care whether or not you’re coming to eat with them. They don’t have to engage, promote, or speak to their food — it speaks for them. The quieter, more unassuming spots — that still have a steady flow of customers — churn out the best meals if you ask me.

Chichen Itza

For when you want to see a new wonder of the world

It’s easy to debate skipping Chichen Itza, especially if you’re short on time or you’ve explored other Mayan ruins. But then there’s the little fact that this massive monument is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered one of the seven wonders of the New World.

The ruins are massive and expansive, and for the most part well restored.  If you have it in you to dodge the long roads lined with souvenir stands, this is a sight to behold.  Seeing Chichen Itza is a travel dream for many of us, and it’s worth the drive from Cancun just to learn about the Maya history and stand in awe of the monuments.  You can also book one of the many Chichen Itza tours from Cancun, if you don’t feel up to renting a car. Go early or stay late to avoid the busloads and tour groups.

Cenotes

For when you want to experience something borderline magical

Magical is a term used perhaps too often in travel, but for cenotes, or natural freshwater pits present in great number throughout the Yucatan — it is a fitting description.  There is something otherworldly, spiritual, and all together beautiful about these pools of water.

Swimming in one can be a refreshing break, scuba diving in one all at once calming and daring, and simply pausing to look at them is something unique and natural to the area.  The changing color, light, and clarity is really something to see.

The variety of cenotes in the area are some of the most popular Riviera Maya day trip. There are many to see as you make your way west from Cancun, including some of the most photographed ones both right outside of Chichen Itza (Cenote Ik Kil) and Valladolid (Cenote Zaci.)

You can reach all three of the side trips (town, monument, nature!) via a newer highway with higher speeds and tolls, or by slower, more interesting route along less maintained roads and through villages if you can take the time.  We took one option either way, to see a little bit of everything in only a day’s time.

Easily both day trips from Cancun.

Even if you choose not to spend much time in Cancun, you can still enjoy it for what it is.  Resort upon resort was built here for a reason: it is beautiful.  It’s much easier to base yourself there, and it’s much more personal to rent someone’s condo or home as opposed to one of thousands of high rise hotel rooms.  Find some calm in the chaos, don’t be afraid to explore outside of the hotel zone…and perhaps you’ll find yourself enjoying Cancun after all.

View of the morning sunrise from the balcony of our condo rental (coffee in hand.) Perfect start to the day to explore Cancun and its surrounding area.

<< Read more about another top Cancun day trip – Isla Mujeres >>

This post was updated in 2019.

The post Best Day Trips from Cancun appeared first on Part-Time Traveler.