Some newbie questions

[joellybaby]

Hi everyone!

Apologies if any of this is already covered - I seem to have spent ages happily reading through people's posts but haven't seen answers to these particular Qs.

- Time of year
Any advice on what time of year is best to visit?
We're going in May, which was determined by when we could get time off work here, but seems to be cheap season which is good at least. What's the weather like? I'm from the other side of the planet so I'm not even sure what season it will be then! What to expect? Mosquitoes? Temperature? Rain? Will lots of places be closed as it's off season?

- Transport
Neither my husband nor I can drive so I'm wondering how best to get around. We're on a bit of a budget - how much do taxis tend to cost? We'll be getting the bus from Merida, and were thinking of hiring bicycles in Tulum if there is anywhere to get them from? Is that realistic? I'm guessing the roads are rough but not hilly? I guess we'll want to get between the town and the hotel at bit, up and down to different restaurants, and take a trip to one of the ruins outside Tulum, to Si'an Kaan and to a cenote or two. We picked Cabanas La Conchita as they seemed a bit less far down the beach road than Jade, which was the other one that caught my eye. Is it too hot to do much walking?

- Charging camera batteries
I can live without any electronic gadgetry apart from my digital camera I think. I've been investigating Solio (http://www.solio.com)'s but they don't have an attachment for my camera. The cabanas don't have outlets do they, but do the receptions ever let you charge things up there? Or is that really too cheeky?

- Merida - Anyone know where I can look for some advice and suggestions on visiting Merida? I found a nice B&B on Tripadvisor, but don't know what else to do when there.

Finally - my favourite daydream at the moment - browsing flickr pics tagged with Tulum (http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=tulum&s=int). :D I promise to post plenty when I come back!

[Gale in KY]

Welcome to Tulum!
I will try to answer a few of your questions.
May is the beginning of low season, lower prices, less people. I didn't really notice a reduction of services or places being open when I was there in May 2005. The weather will be hot and humid, High 80's-Low 90'sF, but there is usually a good breeze off the water that keeps you cool when you are on the beach. It is perfect beach weather. If you venture inland, you will notice the heat and humidity..and the mosquitos..you are in the jungle and in a sub tropical enviornment, so mosquitos are always a possiblity. They can't handle the breezes on the beach and are not a problem there. Be sure to bring repellant with DEET and sunscreen. As with all areas of the tropics, it can rain at any time, but it usually doesn't last too long and the sun will be back out quickly. Rain wpn't definitely put a damper on your vacation.

Here is a good link to check out the average weather in the area
http://www.cancunmap.com/weather.html

While you are at it, I would order a map from Mapchick, they are the ultimate travel guide for the area!

www.cancunmap.com

Transportation
Cabs are available, and are not too expensive if you are just using them to go into town and back. LaConchita is fairly close to town. If you want to go elsewhere along Hwy 307, the main corridor from Cancun to Tulum, you can catch a colectivo van for a small fee. The Yucatan is flat, no hills here, and riding bikes is a great way to get around. It will be hot, so don't forget to bring water with you wherever you go. Actually the beachroad, and other roads around Tulum are in fairly good shape, not too rough. It is only when you get well south of La Conchita that the road starts to be rough and full of potholes.

Most hotels will gladly charge your electronics for you. You can also do this in town at the internet cafes and at the cell phone store.

[minniemex]

I think you need to bring a converter for your camera - I have no experience whether or not all resorts have them - you might want to email Cabanas La Conchita and ask if they have a convertor for the current. How long are you going for?? (Just curious as I know most Brits take a fortnght)

We also traveled on a shoulder season (Nov) & found all places open, they just don't look like it - just ask - most will serve you -

Gale gave great advise, I can't think of anything else -

I think the best time to visit Tulum is anytime that you can:D

Welcome to the board!

[AdGuy]

As for charging batteries...you can easily convert a light socket to an electrical outlet with a simple screw-in converter you can buy at any home improvement store for about $3USD.

[sonofabeach]

As for charging batteries...you can easily convert a light socket to an electrical outlet with a simple screw-in converter you can buy at any home improvement store for about $3USD.
I now have one thanks to you. I hope the Shambala Petit Hotel has a lampI can use.
If not, I was thinking about a power inverter for the rental car, provided it has a cigarette lighter.

[beachreader]

I kept my cell phone charged via my rental car; worked fine.

I'd never heard of the lightbulb thing, that's cool.

[joellybaby]

Thanks Gale, that's really helpful info. It sounds like we'll be able to get around quite easily without a car, though I do sometimes wish I could drive! I'll definitely try out those links and get hold of a good map and some DEET!

[joellybaby]

Oh I just realised replies go at the bottom rather than after the individual post you reply to.

Thanks everyone for your help and friendly replies.

I'll see if I can get a lightbulb adaptor in the US. Does Mexico have a different current from the US then? I actually have a US camera charger that needs a convertor for England...

Minniemex - to answer your question - we're away for 3 and a half weeks, which is a good long honeymoon. We're also going to San Francisco, Los Angeles, Merida, and New York, so we're only in Tulum for 5 nights. That's the part I am most looking forward to. I've never been to the states before so I'm excited about the whole trip!

[Gale in KY]

The current is the same as the US. Wow, you are taking an amazing trip!!! I have always wanted to see San Francisco, you will have to tell us about your visit there!

Locogringo has quite an extensive list of information about things to do and services in Merida
http://www.locogringo.com/dynamic/services.cfm?start=41&page_no=5&location=Merida&type=any

Their listings for Hotels in Merida
http://www.locogringo.com/dynamic/lodging.cfm?location=Merida&type=any

Yucatantoday also has great info about Merida
http://yucatantoday.com/

This place caught my eye awhile ago, I would love to visit this quirky little place!
http://www.luzenyucatan.com/

[Susan&Mike]

I am liking the idea of renting a bike to bop around in, does anyone know if Cabanas Tulum rents out bikes? If not which would be the closest place that would? Thanks

[Gale in KY]

Susan, I didn't see bike rental at Cabanas Tulum when I was there, but I know you can rent bikes in the little shopping area right around Zahra, I think it is called Punta Piedra Dive Shop? Keep in mind though, these are the bikes our parents rode..lol..and are sometimes rickety, so check them out thouroughly before you take one out..especially the brakes. When I stayed at Copal, they also had bikes for rent, but they came from the place down by Zahra. I see on Payapa Playa's website they also do bike rental, 60 pesos all day rental. They are the second place on the left after you turn south on the beach road.

I would probably check into renting a scooter in town as well.

[Susan&Mike]

Thanks Gale!!! Will definetly be doing a "brake inspection":eek:

[joellybaby]

The current is the same as the US. Wow, you are taking an amazing trip!!! I have always wanted to see San Francisco, you will have to tell us about your visit there!

Locogringo has quite an extensive list of information about things to do and services in Merida
http://www.locogringo.com/dynamic/services.cfm?start=41&page_no=5&location=Merida&type=any

Their listings for Hotels in Merida
http://www.locogringo.com/dynamic/lodging.cfm?location=Merida&type=any

Yucatantoday also has great info about Merida
http://yucatantoday.com/

This place caught my eye awhile ago, I would love to visit this quirky little place!
http://www.luzenyucatan.com/


Thanks Gale for these links - they look really helpful. That luz en yucatan place looks cool!

[BigDogMg]

I noticed you are from London and are traveling on a budget. Did you check out the exchange rate? I have to go to London at least once a year and find that London prices, for anything, are almost double what we pay in the states and also Mexico. You may get a pleasent suprise and have more money for activities than you think.

[joellybaby]

Hi BigDogMg

Good point! There's been some news coverage here recently about how flying to NYC to do your Christmas shopping could in total work out cheaper than staying at home in London to do it! We didn't try that though, but keep checking those rates and wondering if they'll get better or worse and if we should get all our dollars already. I'm glad we're not coming to London on holiday!

[minniemex]

Minniemex - to answer your question - we're away for 3 and a half weeks, which is a good long honeymoon. We're also going to San Francisco, Los Angeles, Merida, and New York, so we're only in Tulum for 5 nights. That's the part I am most looking forward to. I've never been to the states before so I'm excited about the whole trip!

What a wonderful trip you have planned! Sometimes, I wish you could make the days stand still, so it would last longer - it always seems to go so fast - thats why sometimes I think looking forward to a trip is almost
as good as the trip itself:confused: It just all is so much excitement & fun!