Thank You, New York City Police Department

As I sat in the waiting area of Precinct 17 of the NYPD, I had a strong feeling that I had been dropped right in the middle of a TV show.  Everything was exactly as it appeared on TV.  The people drifting in and out from the street, the sounds of several languages, the chatty little lady at the front desk, and the big, Irish detective that took the report of the stolen purse.

I had planned on visiting touristy spots that day, not spending it with New York’s finest.  But, it was so interesting, and the staff so efficient and friendly, that it was almost worth having my purse stolen.

Almost.

The hunky fireman I ran into next door didn’t hurt either.

How a Scammy Stealer Stole My Purse, and I Got Blamed For It

I was in New York in June to attend TBEX, a conference where travel bloggers congregate to drink beer and compare how many countries they’ve been to, when the purse stealing occurred.  I was having lunch with  Sharlene, a fellow family travel blogger at trekaroo, and JUST as we were about to leave, we stood up and noticed.

No purse.

And because I had taken a pen out of the purse not 3 minutes before, I knew instantly that it had walked away.

—————————————

I know what you’re thinking.  Where was the purse?  I know that’s what you’re thinking, because every single person I’ve told has asked that question.  Where was the purse?  Half question, half accusation.

The purse was on the back of my chair.  I’ve said it.  I left my purse on the back of my chair in New York City, therefore, I deserved to have it stolen.  It’s amazing I even found my way home after doing something that stupid.

You laugh, but that is the reaction I’ve gotten from everyone!

I was the victim of a crime, and yet somehow, it was my fault.  But I digress…

—————————————

After searching the small, safe, uncrowded restaurant (see not my fault) to see if it had been ditched in there, we walked around the immediate area to see if it had been abandoned in a garbage can, but to no avail.  The purse was gone.

I was in New York for two more days, and I had 73 cents in my pocket. And of course it was Sunday. Oy.

I am forever in debt to my fellow travel bloggers, who saved my butt that weekend, and I learned a few valuable tidbits which I think will come in handy if you are ever so stupid as to let your purse get stolen.  And it goes a little something like this…

Things To Do Before You Leave Home

1. Make a copy of your drivers license and/or passport to keep somewhere other than your purse.

2. Keep some extra cash or a debit/credit card in the safe in your hotel room.  Use it in an emergency only.

3. Clean out your purse of any unnecessary items.  The less that’s in there, the less you have to lose.  This goes for checkbooks and credit cards as well.

Yes.  You do have to file a police report.

At first I wasn’t even going to file a police report.  In a city with nightly murders, I didn’t want to waste their time with a lost cause. But when I called the airline to find out what I needed to do to get home with no ID, they told me I would need to produce a police report.

You’ll also need a police report to get a driver’s license with a new number, and I’m guessing it would come in handy if you need another copy of your passport, social security card, etc.

Contact the airline ahead of time to be certain of what you will need.  I found that I needed a receipt from the hotel I stayed at while I was in New York.

The NYPD is Awesome

Everyone at the police department was speedy and helpful.  I can’t tell you how impressed I was.  I mean, it’s the government for God’s sake.  I expected a lot of waiting around, and the usual BS, but I got service with a smile, and was on my way.  If you are going to get your purse stolen, I recommend New York.

Sun Country Airlines will care more that you didn’t get to the airport early enough, than if you are who you say you are.  Or that you were a victim of a crime.

I arrived at the airport, police report in hand, about an hour and a half before my flight back to Minneapolis.   After listening to the tale of the stolen purse, the counter attendant made a phone call to her supervisor.  The only thing she said to me after hanging up was, “We’re going to let you through, but we aren’t responsible if you don’t make your flight.  You should have been here earlier.”

That was it.  Their biggest concern.

Not, “I wonder if this person is really Debbie Ferm”, or “Gee, I’m sorry some rat bastard stole your purse.”

Nope.

The fact that two customer service representatives were standing there chatting aimlessly at an empty counter when I walked up was not lost on me.  They could have helped me, but they chose not to.

But you know who did?

The TSA.

Yes, the usual purveyors of misery at the security checkpoint heard about the rudeness of the Sun Country people, and assured me they would get me on that flight.  They screened my bags, wanded me, and made a phone call to verify my identity.  It took about 12 minutes.  After handing my my boarding pass, they called the gate to tell them I was on my way.  Thank you, TSA!

I sat on that plane for 35 minutes before it took off.

Thanks for nothing, Sun Country Airlines.

You will never see your purse again.

Grieve if you must, but let it go.  I loved my purse.  I’m a purse addict.  But I knew it wasn’t coming back.  Nor was my birthday gift wallet, the driver’s license with the good haircut picture, or my brand new Motorola Droid.  I had just entered the 20th century with that Droid, but it was back to the dark ages for me.  Back to the old phone that my kids are ashamed to be seen with.

A New York City detective called me a few days later to verify a few things, and before he hung up he said, “From now on, the purse goes in the lap, not on the back of the chair.”

“Got it, Detective.”

In my last post, I explained why I thought Hotel 32 in the Monte Carlo Hotel was a great deal, and why I would  love to stay there on my next trip to Las Vegas.

The top floor rooms are sensational.

But on a trip to sin city, you certainly can’t spend the entire time in your room, which is why I’d like to whisper a couple of recommendations in your ear for when you venture out to explore the rest of the Monte Carlo.

The Restaurants

Brand Steakhouse

I can be picky about my food, and I don’t mean picky like I have exacting standards.  I’m picky in the same way a two year old is.  I like my food simple and familiar.  And Brand Steakhouse was perfect for me.

Our party of 8 ordered an appetizer called “Hot Rocks”, which is thinly sliced sirloin steak literally cooked on a rock heated to 800 degrees.  It was fun to pick the pieces of steak up with the chopsticks and maneuver them onto the rock, so of course we fought like children over who got to do it.  If you order this, make sure you order more than one:)

For my entree, I also ordered steak.  An 8 ounce filet, done medium well.  Perfect.

Then, there was my  side of green beans, which were the BEST GREENS I’VE EVER HAD!  You may think, “How good can green beans be, dude?”  No.  These were out of this world , cooked perfectly and soaked in lemony, buttery goodness.  Yum .

See?

Simple food,  just like I said.

Diablo’s Cantina

No need to take a break in the Vegas action, because Diablo’s has the atmosphere of a club with food aplenty.  Our group sat down for a flurry of appetizers and drinks, and shared entrees like family, despite meeting each other just the day before.    But that’s not the only way to enjoy Diablo’s Cantina. You could belly up to the full bar to watch a sporting event, or head up to the upper level to enjoy drinks or dinner in the outdoor area while listening to live music from the stage.  You could easily spend your whole night here, and you don’t have to be staying at the Monte Carlo to take advantage of Diablo’s.  It’s located at the front of the Monte Carlo right on the strip so you can duck in anytime.

Andre’s Restaurant

This restaurant was an excellent, unexpected surprise in our tour of the Monte Carlo.  We didn’t have an opportunity to eat at Andre’s, but we did drop in unannounced and were greeted very warmly by the restaurant manager.   He showed us around the restaurant, which was gorgeous, with  blue and gold metallic decor.  It really did feel like an oasis in the storm that is Las Vegas.

I was surprised to find that there are private dining areas available for large groups or just a party of 3.  You can call or make reservations for these private areas right from the Monte Carlo Hotel website. There’s not even a fee.  There was also a small cigar room, which I couldn’t picture myself visiting, but I will admit that I could not smell a hint of smoke while we were in the cigar room.

We also got to view the extensive collection of cordials that Andre’s keeps, which turned out to be my favorite part of visiting the restaurant.  There were such stories behind those bottles, like the one from 1945 that wasn’t bottled in France to celebrate the end of WW II. Or the  bottle that looked more feminine because it was bottled during WW I, when all the men were at war.  As a history buff, I loved this bit of information, and was delighted that it came from such an unlikely place!  If you visit Andre’s, make sure you ask about the cordials!  You don’t even have to drink them to enjoy it.

Frank Caliendo Show

I was excited to see the Frank Caliendo show because he had been a frequent guest on KQRS, the Minneapolis radio show I listen to, and I wasn’t disappointed.  Frank is a master of impressions.  My particular favorite is of President Bush (GW), but he also does a stellar John Madden, Dr. Phil, and Bill Clinton.  The show is very fast paced, and the medley of Frank’s comedy along with his band make for an entertaining night.

The Spa

I visited the spa on my last day, and I wished I had gone earlier and enjoyed half a day there!  My 25 minute facial was perfect.  The entire spa area was beautiful, and there’s a definite feel of luxury and indulgence as soon as you enter.  The hot tub room was especially roomy and  gorgeous with fountains and textured tile.  It would have been a great place to sit and while away some time with a couple of friends, which I plan to do next time I visit.  In your case, make sure you don’t make the same mistake.  Allow plenty of time to enjoy the amenities of the spa after your appointment.

You can find information and make reservations for all of the above by visiting the Monte Carlo website.  Enjoy.

A couple of weeks ago, I visited Las Vegas as a guest of the Monte Carlo Hotel and Casino for 4 days and 3 nights of fabulous, relaxing bliss...and a couple (okay, a few…)  refreshing beers, poolside.

The Monte Carlo, built in 1995, is a huge hotel, housing three complete wings of 32 floors each.  Over 3,ooo rooms all told.   But it didn’t feel that way at all.  It felt welcoming and cozy, but exciting at the same time, like you could kick back and put your feet up, or stay out partying until the wee hours.  My bad sense of direction is legendary in my house, but even I found it easy to navigate.

The goal of the Monte Carlo is a feeling of unpretentious luxury, and they hit that right on the mark.  Surroundings of eye catching chandeliers and fountains, as well as large archways give the feeling of light and space at all times of the day.  Friendly, efficient staff ensure the atmosphere of relaxation and indulgence is complete.

We were treated to a tour of the Monte Carlo casino, as well as to a new, top floor section of the hotel called Hotel 32.  I thoroughly enjoyed the tours, and discovered there is a lot more to Las Vegas, and particularly the Monte Carlo,  than I had thought.

You can enjoy all the traditional Vegas fun at the Monte Carlo by playing craps or blackjack on the Casino floor, or you can duck into the poker room, which has a homey sort of feeling.   Though I’m sure there were some high rollers in that poker room, it was  approachable enough to tempt even a novice poker player like myself.  With two sons who are beginning to discover the wonders of poker, I’m feeling the need to try to keep up!

Yet, there is another side to this hotel.  The side where you can come with your girlfriends, and never leave the premises.  The side called Hotel 32.

Hotel 32

Hotel 32 is a hotel within a hotel.  It’s  a smaller boutique hotel on the top floor of the Monte Carlo with exclusive access to only those patrons who are actually staying there.

This is a place right out of your “tired mom” dreams.  For starters, you’re picked up from the airport in a limo.  No stinky shuttles, or $50 cab rides for you.  And when you get to the hotel?   No lines, no carrying luggage, and your very own suite attendant to escort you to your room.  You even get a tour of your own room!   Which you will be very happy about, because you are not going to want to overlook anything in this place.

Remember in that movie, “The Holiday”, where Cameron Diaz, and Kate Winslet trade houses?  The one where Cameron Diaz’ character is really rich, and Kate Winslet wakes up in her house and is positively giddy?   That’s how I felt when I walked into the penthouse suite in Hotel 32, especially the bathroom.

What can be so special about a bathroom, you ask?

This bathroom is so big and luxurious,  I think I could live in it.   The floor, shower, and walls are inlaid with a gorgeous tile, and there’s a TV in the mirror!  So if you wake up late in the morning, and decide to take a bubble bath, you can watch the Young and the Restless right from your bath.   A deep, whirlpool bath.  Heaven.

The decor of Hotel 32 is sophisticated and smart, with clean lines.  There are a variety of different sets ups.  Every suite has a living room and bar area, but there are also options like pool tables.  You need to check out their website, because they show and tell everything better than I ever could.  The entire penthouse suite is covered in TV’s, and the fact that a group of men may love the place even more than women, did not escape me.  But we’re talking about a girlfriend getaway here, so we’re going to ignore the men for now.  Although, I suppose it WOULD be an okay place to take your husband:)

When you venture outside of your suite at Hotel 32, things get even better.  There’s a lounge area where you can hang out and enjoy a drink, check out the view, or gather to watch TV.  Frankly, I’m not a sports fan, but it would be a great place if you wanted to watch a game.  Lounge 32 serves refreshments and food each morning and evening, like fruit and juices, and yummy things like chilled melon soup.  The lounge adds a great deal of value to your stay beyond your accommodations.

The greatest thing about Hotel 32, though, is the service.  When you check in, you are issued an iphone, and if you need anything, just press a button, and BAM!  There it is.  Whether it be extra towels, a dinner reservation, or tickets to a show, the concierge staff of Hotel 32 will take care of it for you.  It’s like you’re a real live celebrity!  Most of us will never actually be celebrities, but there’s no reason why you shouldn’t live like one for a weekend.

The biggest surprise to me was the cost of a room in Hotel 32.  I expected it to be exorbitant, but rooms start at just $170.  That’s including your snazzy room, limo ride, chilled melon soup, extra towels, and the magic iphone people!   A bargain, in my opinion.

The Rest of the Story

Hotel 32 is only the beginning of the story of the Monte Carlo Hotel and Casino.

While a guest at this hotel, I saw no reason to leave.  Well, except one very good reason.  There is a CVS right outside the hotel which is perfect if you forgot toothpaste like I did, or want to stock your fridge with Diet Coke.  And who wouldn’t?

In the Monte Carlo, there’s  also Diablo’s Cantina, Brand Steakhouse, The Pub, and last but not least, the Frank Caliendo show to talk about.   Oh, and the spa!  So stay tuned!

My friend Angela and  I  took the kids on a day trip drive around Lake Pepin in Wisconsin. We visited a little town called Stockholm, which proudly displayed the Swedish Flag around the downtown area of cafe’s, small shops, and art galleries.

Stockholm, population 146, has a bike borrowing program.  There are designated areas where you can drop off and pick up bikes to get around town.  I had never seen this before, and we all laughed and hummed Wizard of Oz and Mary Poppins tunes as we rode  from one stop to the next.

Days like this are getting fewer and far between with my kids pushing further into teenage land, and I’m grateful when we can pull one off.

Time Flies When You’re Having Fun

It’s true.  Time has been flying by, and July is almost over.  I meant to post the last couple of days, but between flying home from Vegas and hitting the road to the outback of Mondovi,  WI, (talk about being off the grid!) time has escaped and it’s Thursday night already.  WiFi is definitely spotty and persnickety out here, so I’m glad to be able to jump in here now and say “Hi”.

This has been such a busy and incredibly fun month!  I’ve been all over the map both literally and figuratively these past few weeks.  I still have a lot to share about Mexico and Las Vegas, of course, and  this day road tripping around the hilly back roads of my home state has been amazing and therapeutic in ways I hadn’t expected.

The past few years were tough around our house at times.  We lost my mother in law, mom, brother, and grandparents.  Also, our much loved dog and cat.  Going back to Ellsworth, where I grew up, had become a sad thing that I had begun to dread.

But after spending the day with my family, and a lifelong friend and her family, hitting the old haunts and stirring up old memories, I am realizing it’s time to go back.  Time to let all that back into my life.  It’s certainly been missing. That’s for sure.

Oprah would be very proud.

I’m feeling nostalgic tonight, but also looking to the future.  I’m making plans for this website, for its newsletter, and for all the subscribers I have to this blog.  I thank every one of you for caring about what I have to say.  I’m excited about how many new people are showing up every week to hang out and talk travel around here.

Now, I have a favor to ask.  If there is anything you’d like to see on the blog, or in the newsletter, let me know in the comments.  And then go sign up for the newsletter!

Remember a while ago, when I said that I love spending time with my kids, but “Oh my God, it can’t be all kids all the time?“  I’m getting a break this weekend, and I’m so excited to be a guest of the Monte Carlo Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. where I’ll get to be a little self absorbed.  Not once will I have to listen to whining if I want to shop for sandals for 3 hours.

Steve is adamant that the only thing you go to Vegas for is to gamble, which is why his sorry butt isn’t here with me.  There are a million other things to do here, and one of the things I like best is when everything I desire is under one roof.  That’s the case so far with the Monte Carlo.

I’m lucky enough to be a person without a ton of vices.  Diet coke is about it.  So all the drinking, smoking, and gambling don’t do much for me.  Carousing used to be fun, but I kinda had to give that up when I got married.  But  I Love to read by the pool, frequent the spa, and shop like nobody’s business.  I’m also partial to a good comedy show, and we’re going to see Frank Caliendo, a hilarious comedian that I’ve wanted to see for a long time.

I even tweeted Frank that I’d be at the show tonight.  I’m sure he’s pumped about that:)  (Hey Frank!  I’m a KQRS fan!)

A Day To Yourself Equals Bliss For Us Moms

I know some people, aren’t comfortable traveling alone, but you guys, there’s something to be said for it!  Today I arrived one full day before the rest of the group,  and I loved having an entire day to myself!

I got the lay of the  land, which isn’t easy for me because I have zero sense of direction.  I spent time reading by the pool, poked around in some cute little shops,  and joined a group of women I met for a couple beers.

Then…and I know this sounds unbelievably lame, I ordered room service and a movie in my HUGE hotel room.  I was in heaven!

I have to confess that I snuck down to The Cupcakery late last night for dessert.  I couldn’t resist!  I don’t usually have a cupcake store right downstairs!  And The Cupcakery has all those fancy cupcakes I loved as a kid, but only saw on really special occasions.

Anticipation

After sleeping in, today the whirlwind starts.  The rest of the group arrives,  and we’ll be having spa treatments, dinner at Diablo’s Cantina, and of course, the Frank Caliendo show.  All of the service I’ve had so far  has been fabulous, and I’m looking forward to playing princess again today:)

Beaches, Shopping, and Good Eats…But I Was So Tired

On that trip to the Riviera Maya that I keep going on and on about, there were so many fabulous places we visited, but one I definitely want to explore more of is Playa Del Carmen.

Playa Del Carmen is a town along the Mayan Riviera that started as a fishing village, but has grown into a rather cosmopolitan/bohemian   area where you could easily be plowed over by a taxi at any moment.   I immediately loved the atmosphere, but our group arrived late in the afternoon after spending the day swimming with dolphins, AND visiting Xel-Ha.  So I had almost had it.

I wanted desperately to sit at one of he open air restaurants with a giant plate of nachos, and a cervesa  (one of my five or six Spanish words).  I had a blast at Xel-Ha, but I’m not used to cliff jumping,  snorkeling, and rope swinging all in one day and I was frickin’ tired, hungry, and leaning toward irritable.

But Wyatt wanted to shop.

If we were home, I would say “Too bad, so sad” at this point, but we were in Mexico, as Wyatt pointed, out so I rallied.

I rallied while he played every musical instrument we passed.

I rallied while he played hacky sac in a store surrounded by glass objects.

I even rallied  while he begged for at T-shirt that said, “I can only please one person per day.  Today’s not your day, and tomorrow isn’t looking good either.”  Uh…no.

I was done rallying.  And we agreed that when we got home,  we would take a nice break from each other.

Good Stuff to Look Forward To

While we were walking, though, I made note of all the things I’d like to do one day when I return.  Preferably with 2 or 3 girlfriends as opposed to a 13 year old boy.

In Playa Del Carmen, or Playa, as the locals call it, the main drag is called La Quinta Avenida (The Fifth Avenue).  It’s just one block off the beach and runs parallel to it.  It’s a busy pedestrian street paved with cobblestones, and lined with restaurants, nightclubs, and shops.  Loads of shops!   Also, loads of people… but in a good way.

I always enjoy the open market shopping in Mexico, with the game of buying from the good natured merchants, but there were also big-city  shopping experiences available like a large Ralph Lauren store, a shop selling diamonds, and some real, counterfeit Cuban cigars. The area is duty free, which is why you see so many designer boutiques that you wouldn’t necessarily expect in a smallish beach town.

I’m not much of a night lifer anymore, so the club scene isn’t my thing, but the open air restaurants looked perfect to sit and wile away the evening with a couple of friends watching the real partiers go by.

So here’s what I’m thinking.  Get to the beach around 11:00 am.  Hang out, catch some sun, and relax with a book.   Then shower and hit Fifth Avenue for shopping, people watching and dinner.  Sounds like a great way to spend a few days to me.

Of course, people who are feeling more ambitious than me can always go scuba diving, take a tour of the ruins, or grab a ferry to Cozumel.  If that’s you, rock on.  I’ll see you on the beach.

*Oh yeah, the FTC says I need to let you know in every post that this trip was paid for by the Riviera Maya Destination Organization.  Sorry if it’s getting on your nerves:)  Plus, duh, like I could afford to pay for all these trips myself.  HELLO McFly! FTC!

About the Author: Debbie Ferm is the founder of Travel Dither.  To connect with Debbie, subscribe to the blog and head over Facebo0k. Make sure to “like” the Travel Dither page so she knows you’re there!

A couple of years ago, Steve and I took a trip to California, the only one ever without the kids.  This was the view from our balcony, and he looked longingly at the golf course every chance he got.  But I don’t golf,  and  I’m sure he enjoyed our trip to the Richard Millhouse Nixon Presidential Library just as much.

Have you heard of the TV show, “What Not to Wear?”  I love that show.  In fact, just the other day, my 11 year old son, Isaac, was heard downstairs blurting out with excitement, “Hey, What Not to Wear is on!”  Wyatt was suitably horrified of course, but he’s also been known to sit and listen raptly while Clinton and Stacy practically gag over some poor woman’s wardrobe.

A week or so ago,  I went to New York for TBEX, a travel bloggers conference.   My roommate was a fellow travel blogger I’d met on Twitter named Margo Millure.  Margo is fabulous and writes about women’s travel at Travelbelles.  But Margo would be ripped to shreds on a show called, “How Not to Pack”.  In fact, I think I ‘m going to follow her around with a camera on her next trip out of town and ridicule her mercilessly for the excessive, clothes, make-up, and hair accessories she packs and strews around her entire 10 X 10 hotel room.

Let’s just put it this way.  I was glad I got there in time to claim the window sill for myself.

Not only did Margo overpack, but she packed an extra bag for all the goodies she planned to buy and drag home with her.  Can you imagine what her house looks like?  That extra bag was twice as big as the carry on I packed all of my stuff in.

At TBEX, we got goody bags, with a bunch of stuff in them.  One of the things I had in my bag was a scale with a hook on it which I thought was kind of neat.  The idea is to weigh your luggage before you leave for the airport to avoid overweight fees.   I donated it to Margo, who I knew needed it more than I did, but as it turned out, it did no good anyway.  Her burgeoning suitcase was on wheels but it was so damn heavy, she couldn’t lift it!  I can still picture her standing there in the middle of the night, bleary eyed from too much TBEX, and feeling sickly from the entire package of oreos we had binged on, trying to pick up that stupid 80 pound suitcase.

I’m sure our neighbors at the hotel wondered why parents would leave a couple of 12 year old girls alone in a hotel room to laugh so loud and disruptively that others couldn’t sleep.

Margo left New York a day earlier than me.  In the morning, the shoeboxes, shopping bags, and clothing tags remained giving me another chuckle before I left to visit the NYPD.  My purse had been stolen the day before and I was left in New York with no money, no ID and a big fat hotel bill.

Except I didn’t have a hotel bill.

Because Margo had paid the entire bill and left me $100 in cash.  It stopped me utterly short in my tracks.  Here was a person who didn’t know me from Adam, but was willing to take a chance on never seeing me or that money again.  Not only that, but she had learned the night before that while she was gone, her 17 year old daughter had been in a car accident and the car was totaled.  Her daughter was fine thank God, the problem of the totaled car and stolen purse seemed a mere inconvenience when compared to what could have been.

I sometimes feel goofy talking about the friends I’ve made on the internet.  But the fact is, they are real friends, as real as the friends you meet anywhere else.  And in Margo, I had found an especially good one.

*This post was exaggerated for comedic purposes.  I’m sure Margo’s house is neat and tidy:)

Riviera Maya

You might notice that in the title of this post it says,  Mayan Riviera, and the headline is Riviera Maya.  In the U.S., we refer to this area of Mexico as the Mayan Riviera.  But in Mexico, it is referred to as the Riviera Maya, said in an exotic Spanish way that makes you want to roll around in fine, white sand while wearing coconut lime verbena tanning oil.

In my last post, I told you how excited  Wyatt and I were about heading to the  Mayan Riviera.  After an amazing trip,  I can unequivocally say that it is a fantastic place for families of  teens and tweens.  I owe a great thanks to the Riviera Maya Destination Marketing Organization for sponsoring this trip, which gave me so much valuable information to share with you! 

Wyatt and I traveled with a group of other parents and their kids,  which made it that much more fun,  but it was especially interesting because the kids ages varied so widely.  One mother  brought her 19 year old son, another her 16 year old son.  Of course, there was Wyatt and I, and yet another  mom and her 12 year old daughter.  This 12 year old girl was spunky and held her own amidst a group of sassy boys!  One mom and her adorable, French speaking 7 year old son rounded out the group.  We all wondered how the 7 year old would do with some of the activities, but there he was ziplining, crawling through underground caves, and snorkling with the best of them.  So much fun to watch:)  

Kids Won’t Say They’re Bored and Tick you Off

When I save my pennies and  forgo  my beloved $48 Clinique face cream to take my kids on vacation, nothing makes my blood pressure go up like when they say they’re bored.  That’s one reason I loved the Mayan Riviera.  There’s no possible way to be bored.  There are hotels and resorts at all price points, and family friendly parks galore.  The beach is accessible in only minutes no matter where you stay, and it is spectacular.  The fine, white sand and blue green water is exactly as it appears in magazines.  It is mesmerizing, and it is toasty warm, which everyone knows makes me as happy as a clam.  I simply cannot say enough about this area. 

Where the Heck IS the Mayan Riviera?

Mexico is made up of 31 states plus one capital city.  The Mayan Riviera is an area in the state of Quintana Roo, which is at the very end, or tip of Mexico.  If you’ve ever been to Cancun, Riviera Mayan begins just south of Cancun and runs down the Caribbean coast.  Take a look at the map above, it’s easy to see.

During our trip, we visited the town of Playa del Carmen for shopping, the park of Xcaret for lively, entertaining theater, and  Xel-ha for snorkeling, cliff jumping, and a long lazy river that wasn’t made of concrete like they are in Minnesota!    We also toured the  ruins of Tulum , and my personal favorite, Xplor Adventure Park,  rounded out the trip.  Xplor is a park so new it doesn’t even appear on this map.  It’s just a year old, and if I were Roger Ebert, I would give it a very enthusiastic thumbs up!  Zip lines, all terrain vehicles, and a water experience through caves of stalactites is not something you’re going to find in Minnesota any time soon.  It was incredible, although I will admit to reciting my Catholic prayers as they fastened my son onto the zip line and let him go.

The People that You Meet

I met all manner of people while I was in Mexico.  Vivacious shopkeepers, theme park employees, people at the airport, and tourism professionals  proved to be hospitable, friendly, and genuine.  I felt welcomed at every turn.  A more casual attitude toward time, which includes no clocks in hotel rooms,  probably contributes to that less harried, more welcoming attitude.  Personally, it’s the one thing I struggled with.  I need to know what time it is, and waiting around makes me crabby.  That wasn’t going to change in a week,  so I tried to just go with the flow and everything worked out beautifully.

I simply adored this area of Mexico, and can’t recommend it enough as a destination for families with kids in their teens and tweens.  It’s easy to be as lazy or as busy as you please.   I never know what mood my family will  be in so it’s nice to have options available.

Oh, and I didn’t mention the critters, but you see these guys everywhere.  They’re friendly and hang out at the parks, just going about their business.  Personally, I think they’re cute…in a scaly kind of way. 

Things You Need to Know

• Every person entering Mexico now needs a passport.  If you are flying, you need the old fashioned passport book.  If driving, a passport card will do.
• If you plan on visiting any caves, you will want to have bug spray.  There were pockets of mosquitoes  in some areas of the caves.
• If you haven’t been to Mexico before, the sun is HOT!  Take sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.  Also, drink lots and lots of water.  Beer and lemon also works:)
• Flights can be expensive, so start looking as far in advance as possible.  There are great deals to be found, but you have to spend some time to hunt them up.
• Keep a paper copy or a digital copy of the first couple of pages of your passport in case it is lost or stolen.   I’ve learned this lesson the hard way.
• Put this destination on your list immediately.  It’s worth it.

The rest of this series includes information on:

• The cosmopolitan, Playa Del Carmen, and it’s hotels, shopping, and good eats.
• The parks of Riviera Maya including Xplor Adventure Park and Xel-Ha, the largest natural aquarium in the world.
• A poll of the kids.  They share their opinions on what you should definitely take advantage of, and what they think you can just skip!
• An underground world of caves and rivers discovered only recently, called Rio Secreto.
• Xcaret Mexico Spectacular, a lively and emotional performance depicting Mexico’s history from the beginning.

*Images by Jason Rich, who was on the trip with me.  I lost my camera when my purse was stolen in New York, (story to come:)  so he’s been kind enough to let me use his images.  To see his amazing photography, visit him at Jason Rich Photography.