By Henri Bauholz
The state of Quintana Roo is noted for its beautiful, white shimmering
beaches and the stunning turquoise blue hue of the
Caribbean waters. This area, sometimes called the Mayan Riviera, is popular and attracts visitors from all over the world. There are some important facts to know whenever you visit the region; for one, you need to keep in mind there is a rainy season and then a dry season, when the temperatures can be very hot. Whatever your itinerary is, you will need to be prepared for the heat and sun, which can be quite intense in the subtropics. Some specialty items such as a hammock or a Panama hat are made locally and can be purchased in Merida, a large city near the Gulf of
Mexico that serves as a gateway to Quintana Roo.
Sunscreen and a Wide-brimmed Straw Hat
The combination of hot, midday sun and glaring white beach sands formed from coral add up to one result: sunburn. Bring ample amounts of sun screen with you---you will need it, even if you are just walking around town in the daylight hours. If you have a comfortable straw hat at home that packs well, definitely bring that along, but if you are using the city of Merida (which is located in the state of the Yucatan) as an entry point to the state of Quintana Roo, you can find excellent deals on Panama hats and similar items that you can wear on your head.
Bathing Suit, Sandals and a Beach Towel
A bathing suit and beach towel should be packed before you leave, but a pair of leather sandals is one of those items you can a good deal on almost anywhere in Mexico, especially Merida. Once you are in the state of Quintana Roo or on the Yucatan peninsula (Quintana Roo is part of the Yucatan Peninsula), you can buy a pair of flip-flops in almost any store for next to nothing.
A Spanish Dictionary
English is a mixed bag here as the language is more readily understood than one might expect, especially by those who work in the travel industry. However, once outside of the hotels and restaurants, you will need to know some Spanish to help you enjoy your stay. Bring along a small dictionary and, if you are the type of person who enjoys speaking foreign languages, take a quick refresher course before you travel.
A Hammock and Mosquito Netting
If you are traveling on the cheap and planning to stay in a youth hostel or underneath the thatched roof of a cabana, purchase a hammock (una hamaca) and mosquito netting (los mosquiteros ) in Merida. Many of the hostels and all of the cabanas supply you with two hooks and expect you to bring your own hammock and mosquito netting, which can be purchased in the state Quintana Roo---but expect to pay more.
An Umbrella
A beach umbrella is probably too large to tote to this remote corner of Mexico, unless you are driving from the U.S., but a regular umbrella is a must during the rainy season, which lasts from May to October.
Casual Clothes
Don't forget there is more to this beautiful part of Mexico than just the beaches (Mayan ruins are everywhere ). Bring along casual clothes and a pair of walking shoes suited for hot weather. If you are a person who can't turn down a good deal on new clothes, you might want to leave extra room in your suitcase before you depart.
Snorkel and Mask
The snorkeling is great here, but unless you are familiar with the ins and outs of tropical waters, it is best to venture out into the Caribbean with a guide. Either way, a snorkel and mask are easy items to pack.
About the Author:
Henri Bauholz is a professional writer covering a variety of topics, including hiking, camping, foreign travel and nature. He has written travel articles for several online publications and his travels have taken him all over the world, from Mexico to Latin America and across the Atlantic to Europe.
