A Different Kind of Vacation

Just leaving Cozumel after a few days of sun and relaxation. Even though Disney is my specialty, I love traveling the world even somewhere as close as Mexico, only a two-hour flight away from my Texas home. Such friendly people! Here the lifestyle is laid back with all locals wanting to please the tourists. Even the street sellers, who persist in trying to interest you in a cheap trinket or two, turn away with a friendly gracias upon your refusal.

It’s a shame that Mexico has such a bad rap these days what with swine flu and drug cartel problems. They've seen a 15 percent drop in tourism in tourism in 2009 and could certainly use a lift in the ecomony. But Cozumel seems to be surviving because of its popularity with the cruise ships. Four were in port today including the new megaship, Oasis of the Sea.

Come to stay in one of the many resorts and condos and you’ll find the restaurants and streets blissfully empty in the evening hours after the cruise ships have sailed away. Great food abounds with La Choza being my favorite Mexican food spot (the Veracruz pescado is remarkable). If you’re looking for a bit more sophistication you won’t be disappointed in Guidos, a romantic Italian restaurant with a wonderful courtyard ambience and great pasta and pizza. There’s even hip Kinta where gourmet Mexican food is the fare, but it certainly wasn’t tops on my list. I tend to like the small, ethnic places where friendly service and good food is the order of the day like El Moro. If it’s beach restaurants and bars you like then Cozumel is brimming with them. Choose Playa Bonita where a three-piece band plays for tips, the aquamarine ocean just steps away, and fish tacos and ceviche the best things on the menu.

Venture out of San Miguel for sweeping ocean views on the east side of the island, but here currents are strong and not as safe for swimming. At Punta Sur, an ecological park, you'll find lagoons filled with crocodiles, an interesting lighthous, and a lovely white sand beach. Of course, the diving is some of the best in the world.

Any favorite places in Cozumel you want to share?