Why Mexico is my go to destination

Followed me for quite a while over on my social media? You will know Mexico is my go to place I always return to. Its kind of like my safe option I know what Im getting and I know its good. I am going to hit up some new places in the new year but also once again go to Mexico.. I have so many reasons why I go! Here are my top 4 If your looking to visit for the 1st time or endless times to the area of Playa del Carmen.

Short and sweet lets go!

• Playa Del Carmen is a lot more relaxed than Cancun. I mean it obviously depends on the type of person and vacation you want. Depending on what trip I plan usually I want a relaxed vacation. Cancun has been named as "americanized" so its suited up for the Americans really.  Looking for a spring break trip then head to Cancun! But if not stay clear especially as American calendar holidays.  Playa del Carmen is laid back. More of a chill out by the beach place.. Don't get me wrong there is so much to do in Playa del Carmen if your looking to do it.. and just walks away! Its a no brainer for me every time.

 

 

• Its safe. This is a big plus for me it is so safe. I have been to places before where I haven't felt so safe even if its branded as safe. I have been in some crazy situations when heading to explore a country's town. From my very first trip to Playa I knew it was for me. I stayed in 'Playa Car' this has security check points on the arrival of the homes an hotels in the area.  Also 5th Ave is so safe! I have touched on this in my 5 things to do in playa del Carmen post but I visited at night and day and equally both as safe. Nothing to worry about! Also I had to walk on the back streets a few times ok so a few people did turn eyes and must of thought "does this blonde girl know where she is" haha! No one bothered me and went about the normal day! :)



Taxi rides ..

 

• The Mexican people are lovely. I mean how rare is it for about 99% of people you see on the street or in stores to smile at you ... unfortunately its really rare :-( For some reason Mexican are super kind! I mean the staff where I stayed are second best to none. (Currently writing a big review about the hotel) From walking the 5th Ave streets to being in taxis... they are nice kind people.

 

 

• Its only going to get better. They are constantly on the go building new things and improving old things. This is a good sign. Tourists are going to be going here for a long long time to come. Its already a upcoming place for people to go.. I don't blame anyone. I love this place its like a second home as soon as I land.

Oh and Tequila is Mexican water ;) Be sure not to drink the Water.. only bottled or what your resort provides you with. I got told the water was ok to drink where I was or brush my teeth with but I haven't ever chanced it and not going to start!

adios amigos... xo

 

5 things to do In Playa Del Carmen or surrounding areas

As travelling to Playa Del Carmen Mexico more than once I think I have a good outlook on what do and what there is to see! This post is about 5 things you can do in the area which includes trips! Happy reading!!


I think when you go to a place like Playa Del Carmen the first thing you think of is going on the amazing trips that they have thousands of tourists going on each day. Yes this is true and the trips are really amazing but a simple walk down into 5th avenue will have you sorted for the whole day if not even returning!

 

 

 

5th avenue is one of the most famous Playa del Carmen attractions. It is lined with shops, bars, restaurants, cafe's, gelato shops (which I took good advantage of) From local little shops to designer. You can literally pick anything up from the mall here. Oh and of course a Starbucks stop each time didn't hurt!

Mermaid statue on the beach front! Helpful if you remember where it is so you don't get lost!

 One thing that a lot of family/friends have asked me about this place? Is it safe? To walk here at night! Yes! 5th avenue is full of tourists day/night and not to mention Mexicans are really friendly. I walked up in at night twice and felt just fine. Nothing to worry about but how much cash I spent ha!

Name brand shops range from Mac, Sephora , Zara , Forever 21 , Bershka , Body Shop and even bath and body works. You cant go wrong! Local Mexican shops are also along the long strand of 5th ave. The only thing that puts me off is the men calling to come into the shop.. and getting right up in your face! TIP: Wear a band around your arm to hide the hotels name you are staying at! Because believe me I heard "Im your waiter from the Riu Palace Mexico" far tooo many times! I know they are just trying to make some sales I get it! But I went in the shops that no one called me too.. as did a lot of other people. They would have more look if they just smiled and probably a lot more sales. Its not the worst place I've been to have people trying to hassle me into the shop. So it should defiantly not put anyone off.

 

 

3D Museum of Wonders  is something that we discovered by luck. It isn't promoted a lot and I think that is so wrong! Its great. The story behind the guy who created it all is really inspiring. Kind of pricey to get it.. about £45-£55 per person if I remember correctly; but you have a member of staff who takes all photos for you and shows you how to pose so the photos look amazing!

 

 

Don't mine my funky socks. No shoes allowed!

 

 

 

 

It takes a good hour and half on a weekday to get round the whole place. Apparently on weekends its packed full! So I'm glad I went during a week day. It really amazing and pleasing to the eye! I couldn't believe just one guy did all this. So talented.  His name is Kurt Wenner.

 

 

Now lets talk about trips I went to Xcaret eco-archaeological Park located in  Riviera Maya while I wasn't too impressed I wouldn't rule it out of your trip! It is a full day trip! Its a large place and whole lot of walking in the heat.  You do have to travel away from Playa Del Carmen but its not so long.

 

 

 

 

 

From the trails of Xcaret to discover how the Mayan jungle and culture of Mexico come together there is more than 20 exciting attractions. It does have something for everyone at Xcaret if you are a nature lover you have to visit the Jaguar Island its a nice viewing. The Butterfly Pavillion where butterfly's just land on you was also a big hit for me! All pretty colourful butterfly around you.


Of course the  Caribbean Sea is everywhere you look. Choose from a snorkelling tour or swim in underground rivers which is what I did.  The water was freezing! As soon as I popped my foot in I was thinking oh no! You swim underground for about 30mins! So be aware you have to be a confident swimmer as there is nowhere to get out when swimming around the caves.  A life jacket is provided with flippers to keep you going! It was icy cold but I would totally do it again as its a beautiful site.

Swimming with dolphins is also a option.  But I 100% disagree with this and would never support that. So moving on.  As the evening draws to a close there is a show called "Xcaret Mexico Espectacular", a celebration party of light and colour with 300 artists that will take you through the history of Mexico.. its a big show and the actors are great.

 

So after a good 40 mins of swimming you come out with a view of the ocean with lots of hammocks and white sand. Hence the looks of I've been dragged through the water but still trying to look put together! Ha ha.

 

 

 

 

If your not too adventures in going out then right on the beach front of most hotels In Playa they have water sport activities such as jet skin, para sailing and kayaking. I did the para sailing and really enjoyed it. Looks totally unsafe before you get up but I have done It again since and still love it. Something about floating across the ocean like a bird! Well minus the straps and big parasail wing above me!

 

Its a really good price I can really remember but it was reasonable and not too much and you spend a good amount of time in the air. Pretending to be a bird. Duh.

 

 

 

 

 

The last one is going to be in a different blog post as I have a lot to write about it. But its a must visit Tulum! The Mayan ruins. I was so amazed it deserves a whole blog post dedicated to it!

I love staying in Playa Del Carmen its much more a relaxed vibe than Cancun and more a slow pace of life. I think I will be back once again!


xo


 

Repairing my hair from vaction heat damage; Coconut Water

After my vacation and a whole lot of sun my hair has been really dehydrated since coming back!
I miss the sun soooo much! But don't think my hair does. I have had a collection by OGX for a while now and been for the right moment to test them out. This was the perfect time to put the weightless hydration coconut water to the test.

Not only does the range smell amazing it has really made my hair back to its silky soft self.


The coconut water range includes shampoo, conditioner and a hydration oil.

What a perfect setting for this photo! Haha I am obsessed... a few days before returning home I started using the range as my hair was getting really dried up and I was so angry and at a loss of what to do!!  That's when I remembered I packed this set!

After 3 days of using the shampoo and conditioner my hair really improved the texture and the hydration was semi-what back.  To see the full effects it took about a week for my hair to be back to normal if not better and more shiny!! Also I was shopping in some local Mexican shops and I spotted some of the OGX range! I was literally like "what" "omg" I was super shocked to find it in the least most expected place! How awesome is that?!

What really made me love this brand and struck me is about the ingredient list on the bottles of these shampoos and conditioners is how little ingredients they have in. This is a good thing! It means the formula isn't packed with excessive chemicals and preservatives that a lot of products are.

We have all been hyped over coconut ingredient in everything! From skincare to even food! Coconut has got all your problems sorted! I kid you not my hair has never been as silky smooth! Everyone  has been commenting on it!




The hydration oil


 

Using oils/mists always worries me if they flatten the hair or make it look greasy. I use this before going to bed so in the morning it has all soaked in. Other times I use it is when I want more of a shiny look to my hair when I have a certain style in.


I really recommend the whole of OGX range not just coconut water! I have tried a lot of the range and so impressed!


Keep your hair healthy!!
xo
 

Thomson Airways Preumium Club: Is it worth the extra money?

Thomson is the world's largest charter airline, offering scheduled, charter flights from the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland to destinations in Europe, Africa, Asia and North America. I have mostly always flew with them as its just a easy choice and I know I can trust them as nothing has ever gone wrong.

If you've been keeping up with my social media you will know I have just been to Mexico for 2 weeks! It was amazing I love it their. A long review of my Hotel and lots more will be up in the next week. So back to the main question that I know a lot of people ask before booking; Is premium club worth it? What exactly do you get?

The first Premium Club experience that you will get before even stepping onto the plane (long haul only I'm pretty sure) A bigger luggage and hand luggage for starters! You are fast tracked through security - completely separate queue from the other which took about 5 minutes for me! While the other line was lonnnnng! I defiantly had that feeling of " Thankgod for that" Lounges at the airport - I flew from (MAN) Manchester Airport they have the Terminal 2 – Swissport Lounge while it isn't as fancy as Gatwick it still is more quiet to sit round in waiting for your flight than in the actual building.

 

Priority boarding! I found this sort of a hit and miss. Lets face it we all know 50% of people who enter the airport will stand forming a queue thinking they are getting on 1st even if there seat is at the back!  Manchester airport had this under control they called out Premium club seat numbers to come first as that's what you pay for. As the gate number was called everyone got up and was forming a line! I was confused no way was all these people sat in Premium club.  Luckily staff made sure we got on first! As for the experience at Cancun airport ... that's another story.

 The main ones for me; The bigger seats and a lot more room to relax and might actual get a snooze! Bigger recline and pillows and duvets are supplied. (Once again only for long haul flights) A little pack of things you may need through out the flight ( I will leave this out for a nice surprise if you take a trip!)

The tv series and movies are the same as the economy class which I was abit annoyed at! I had watched them all already. Food and the service was really quite good. A fresh orange or sparkling wine is offered as soon as you sit down while others are still boarding which is a nice little extra. Your food will be served first with silver utensils with any drink of your choice of course complimentary throughout the flight! Food is specially prepared and no less than 4 courses! With a snack before landing.  It was much quieter and I felt more at ease as it was a stress-free journey.

 

 

If your in premium club your luggage should have a premium club tag on so your cases are put on first and come of first! Unfortunately  the girl at Manchester airport forgot to do that to the 2 cases I took! So arriving at Cancun airport I had to wait unlike the other premium club members! Abit disappointing! In fact the check in lady wasn't going to put the 'hand baggage tags' on till I mentioned it! 

All in all your paying either between £300-410 to have premium seats return on top of the price your paying for the flight in general. I cant remember how much I exactly paid I think it was around the £305 mark return. You cant go wrong if your looking for extra room to relax and a little special treatment!

I would recommend booking premium for long haul flights for sure it is worth the extra money.


Happy flying!!
xo