Money for trips

I used HSBC card in Mexico  and I was charged $3.00 and the rate was not bad either (1 CAD = 11.90 Pesos). I have decided for future travels I am going to use HSBC card since they only charge $3.00 for international withdrawals compare to other banks. I am also going to have only small amount of money in that account and small  withdrawal limit as well. So it will be safer for travel withdrawals.

BTW, Puertomorelos has  one HSBC ATM but Playa delcarmen has lot of ATMS ( HSBC and other banks)

Money for Mexican trip

In the past when ever we visited all inclusive vacations we took US dollars. You can get good conversion rate at some currency exchange places. I use Guardian International in Toronto. If you are buying more than $1000 USD they will give better rate. I did  check their Mexico Peso exchange rate and it is not great.

This time we are taking some USD but we are going to try to get money from ATM in Mexico. We have also used Visa card to withdraw money when we visited India in 2008. We transferred money to the card before going to India and did not use the card for any other purchases. Since we had credit balance we were not  charged interest but we were charged $5.00 withdrawal fees each for each withdrawal.
One other precaution with  using credit cards and debit cards abroad  is that you need to inform your bank before travelling that you will be travelling.

Marina El Cid Map

A) Lobby

B) Hacienda Arecife Restaurant

C) Silent Zone

D) Aqua Sports

E) Marina Restaurant

F) Marina Habour (Fishing, Snorkeling, Scuba diving and Catamaran)

G) Kids Club

H) Cocay Spa (fitness centre, Temazcal)

I) Convention Centre

Vacation booking

In the past, I have used Selloffvacations, Flight centre or travel agents. I normally find a deal online and go to Flight Centre and get a price match. Usually they also give additional $10 discount per person for vacation package booking. This time I have decided you use beatmyquote.ca. It is a discount travel agency based in Alberta. They will give $40- $50 off of online deals. I was bit hesitant but called them anyways. I spoke to Julie and she is very knowledgeable of the region and she recommended this resort and she also gave me some tips of the region. So far, I am very happy with their service.

Mexico Vacation 2010

We are going to Mayan Riviera in Mexico and I am very excited about it. We will be staying in Marina El Cid in Puerto Morelos.

We paid little more for the trip since my husband could not confirm his vacation days from work till the last minute.

Marina El Cid is in a small town called Puertomorelos. I hope we can meet and talk to the locals.
Here is my plan for the trip. We have not booked any tours yet but hoping to do when we arrive there.

Snorkeling:

We are planning to do snorkeling. I could not find and snorkeling gear (well I knew it will be tough to find one in the middle of the winter in Canada) but hope the tour company will provide a good one. I have read we can go for snorkeling in Puertomorelos for $25 USD.

Chichen Itza:

We are planning to visit the ruins. I know we can't climb the ruins now. We hope to swim in cenotes during the same tour.

Jungle Spa and jungle market:
It is a massage by Mayan women. Hope we can do both in the same day.

Other than that just enjoying the beach and pool.