I recently (yesterday) returned from a trip to the Dominican Republic.

Unfortunately, the stories and warnings of the risks (even ON resort property) to foreigners turned us off from Cancun. It's not just the risk of kidnappings or other crimes but the risk regarding the alcohol used in the resorts which was recently shown to be of very questionable origin in some cases.

We were able to go to a nice resort on the Dominican Republic in Punta cana for 4 nights for 800/person including airfare and transfers and it was all inclusive. We did spend an additional 200 on tipping while we were there oh and that included a hat for me;).

The outfit we have used to book is cheapcaribbean.com. They offer good rates on flight/hotel packages.

The resort family we liked the best is the Grand Bahia resort complex in Punta Cana. the particular property we like is the Grand Bahia Principe Bavaro. The complex is made up of 7 resorts (some family, some all adult, some luxury etc). The weather is in the 80's over the winter so it's nice enough to swim..even in December! I would be happy to answer any questions you have. PM if you want.

Cancun is like any other tourist trap - you are fine as long as you are aware and cautious.

Close by to Cancun...

WE have been to Cozumel 2x in the past couple years. Would I go to Cancun, probably not. I was there years and years ago. Don't get me wrong I loved Cancun. Softest white sand, great sites to see. Tulum, Chicken Itza. Amazing to see. Also take a little boat over to Isle Mujeres...cool stuff. But now, time for risk assessment.

Unless I am mistaken aren't there are active travel warnings??? You may want to look it up.

IF Mexico is something you really want to see---try a cruise. It is most unfortunate about the awful bus crash that killed several tourist. NOT the norm. You would look under Western Caribbean Itineraries. OR shorter cruise from the west coast IF you live in CA, somewhere close by.

OR like ESMOND suggested Punta Cana--this place is under rated in my opinion. Dominican Republic is a BEAUTIFUL island but a very poor country over all. Stay at your resort is always best.

Grand Cayman---mehhh, would not go back I was not impressed.
Jamaica--Negril side IF You have more than 5nights. Montego Bay is fun and so is Ocho Rios. Good for 4night stays.

Cozumel, very quiet. Until your in Senor Frogs

Such a pity St Thomas, St. Maarten and San Juan were leveled this past Hurricane season. Those are by far some of our favorite islands. It will be years to bounce back.

Keep checking the travel warnings. LETS hope they lift them soon.

I would entirely skip Cancun. The Riviera Maya is absolutely beautiful and safe. We are NOT the type to sit at a big resort and drink. We want to explore.
There's likely safety warnings for many places in the US too.

I've travelled all over the world, be aware, be smart, be cautious and you are fine.

We're planning on a 2 week honeymoon there next year. Fly into Cancun- and rent a car, checking out the colonial areas/culture and ruins (Valladolid, Merida, Uxmal) -and then for the beach time head to Tulum (you cannot beat their beaches almost anywhere in the world) and finishing in Cozumel.

There are other beautiful areas within an hour/2 drive from Cancun I would try all day over that...Puerto Morelos, Akumal, Tulum, or even Playa del Carmen.

Are you guys adventurous or just sit on the beach type?

Cancun: Tourist trap from hell-I would never dream of it

Puerto Morelos: Small fishing town with exceptional snorkeling but not much else to do

Akumal: Great condo prices and there's Secrets' Akumal which is AI- perfect for snorkeling on the beach/fish/turtles/some good eat spots and close to surrounding areas

Cozumel: The West side, crazy w/cruise tourists and smaller rocky beaches (great for dive/snorkel) but the East side is unspoiled beauty, great snorkeling and beaches. There is one single hotel generator operated that we are going to

Tulum: Laid back, bohemian, great food, beach/hippie, hip w/out pretentiousness....beach hotels are generator
operated, if you want AC at night you will pay top dollar-but you can also stay in town for 1/4 of the price and use the beach clubs all day

Playa Del Carmen/Playacar: Beautiful beaches but much busier, bustling, people watching, shopping, good nightlife. We stayed at a resort called Sandos Playacar -good rates, AI, on a spectacular piece of beach years ago that still gets good reviews

Maroma: 1 beaches in the world they say- mostly AI Secrets Maroma, etc...expensive, beautiful, less busy, more relaxing
and remote

If you go, please consider getting a car and going out- There are incredible ruins in the interior- Merida and Valladolid are the safest cities in Mexico. Ruta Puuc has Uxmal ruins, you have Ek Balam and Chichenitza you can access for Valladolid-incredible cenotes to explore. You have Coba, Tulum ruins, you have Siaan Kaan biosphere or Rio Lagartos, it's a formidable place w/so much to see. It makes me cry to think of people sitting at their hotels w/out experiencing the local cuisine, flavor, culture, attractions.....you can sit at a hotel in Fl and drink till your hearts content and not leave. Doing so in Mexico would be a shame.

Tripadvisor has LOADS of info on hotels, itineraries, there are forums to ask questions, a wealth of information out there. If you want any suggestions let me know

^^^^^ way to go bananseedo^^^^^

We have been there multiple times, latest was in the spring. We stay a little away from the downtown area on a huge resort so there is plenty of space for roaming. We have also explored the interior on tour and by car. Have never felt the least bit unsafe.

Please, please, please DO NOT swim with the dolphins!!

Some resorts are now putting them into very small pools on their properties. It breaks my heart to think of these majestic animals that can travel hundreds of miles in the ocean confined to a concrete pool for our entertainment.

Thanks, rant over.