Riviera Maya With CP Travel Ambassador Annette Duplechin

CP Travel Ambassador Annette Duplechin recently led a group trip to Riviera Maya, Mexico with a group of women aptly named the "Destination Divas"! Join her adventures and tips for anyone looking to travel to this region.

What specific cities and /or countries did you visit? Riviera Maya, Mexico

What was your favorite memory from this trip? Sharing the love of travel and this beautiful destination with ladies in our Destination Divas group and seeing the joy in their experiences!

Top excursions and landmarks/sites to visit: Playa del Carmen for abundant shopping and Puerto Morelos for great snorkeling at the National Reef

Park.

Were there any standout restaurants or foodie must-haves on this trip? The food at the Valentin Imperial Riviera Maya is outstanding overall but the top restaurant experiences were at L' Alsace, L'Olivo, and La Hacienda. Must have's - try everything!

The Beef Carpaccio at L'Olivo, Baked Alaska at L' Alsace, and the Shrimp Aquachile at La Hacienda are not to be missed. Breakfast at Mar Y Tierra is a wonderful experience - listen to the waves while enjoying mimosas and Latin-inspired breakfast dishes.

How would you describe the people and culture of this destination? Any interesting cultural lessons? The people of the Quintana Roo area are amazingly welcoming and friendly! It has become a favorite destination because of the rich Mayan/Mexican culture & history, the beautiful beaches, amazing reefs with abundant sealife, and plethora of activities to do. Until this last visit, I did not know the region was named for Andrés Quintana Roo, a writer and leader in the Mexican wars for independence.

What is something people would be surprised to learn about this destination? How affordable and safe it really is and the abundance of activities available for everyone - water sports, history, art & culture, and extraordinary cuisine.

Top 5 Tips and recommendations for this trip:

• Choose your resort and location carefully based on what you want to do while in the area and at the resort.
• Pack light - it is much easier to navigate airports and you don't need a lot to enjoy the climate and activities.
• Step out of your comfort zone and try new food/beverages, activities, and cultural experiences.
• Support the locals! Tip appropriately, shop carefully (there will be a lot of hard sale approaches - be firm, but kind), and learn a few key phrases of Spanish to communicate.
• Bring a rain poncho and footwear that is good for walking during the intermittent showers that frequent the area during the summer.

What makes this destination a must-see in your opinion? The beautiful beaches, gorgeous resorts, amazing water/reefs, rich culture & history, and friendly people. It is a great first experience for international travelers to new travelers and a MUST for those that love the water, beaches, and great food!

Additional thoughts and insights? The plethora of resort options in this region can be overwhelming so it is essential to understand the geopgraphy of the area, types of resorts/brands, and matching them to client needs/budgets. Travel and learn this destination as it is usually the easiest and most affordable for most travelers new to international travel.

To lead your own group trip to new destinations like the Riviera Maya, contact a Cruise Planners Franchise Development Manager.