A vacation nomad visits Cozumel, Mexico (Part 4 - More to see)

Score a hole in one in Cozumel.

Cozumel is a unique island in many ways, especially because it has like two unique personalities.  Earlier I visited the east side of the island of Cozumel with you, the more rustic, adventuresome side.  The west side of the island is positioned facing Mexico instead of the wide open sea so the beaches are calmer and there is a lot of snorkeling and scuba diving to do.  This side of the island has electricity so your credit card and dollar work everywhere.  On the west side of the island here's how I enjoy Cozumel, Mexico.

Dzul Ha is a great, secluded beach area.  There is great snorkeling here and diving.  Even the cruise ships have their snorkeling excursions here and if you are on the island, it doesn't cost you anything to enjoy it.  You can walk right off the beach into the ocean blue and enjoy many different types of fish, coral and more.  There are palapas, tables with umbrellas, etc., here so be sure and order a drink or something to eat off the menus.  It's expected you exchange a little order for the use of the tables but you can stay all day.  The Money Bar is right there and a waiter will come out to your table to take orders so you can sip beer or margaritas without even getting up. 

San Miguel is the main downtown of Cozumel.  If you are priviledged to be there on a Sunday nights, go to the central plaza and join the local families for music, dance and food.  Skip across from the plaza and walk down the boardwalk next to the ocean.  San Miguel has a lot of seating and statues along the boardwalk that make it a beautiful and romatic walk at night.

There is a restaurant, Plaza Leca that is the first place you come to on the right hand side of the plaze in San Miguel.  I always like to stop there.  There have 2 for 1 drinks and the best tacos ever.  For a low price you can set and people watch and not be rushed out.  If you have a long stay in Cozumel and need something different from mexican food, try to the French Quarter and you will find exactly what you expect to find there.  My family is from New Orleans and I can vouch the food is on spot.  Good place to sit up on a balcony and enjoy a glass of wine too.  And of course there is no end to the mexican food restaurants you can enjoy. 

You can play Putt-Putt or as in Cozumel, called mini golf  on a course like no other.  Not only do you feel like you are playing in a jungle with all the foliage, you also can have drinks/beers delivered to you while you are playing.  It just can't get any better than that.  Tip:  Play later in the evening or first thing in the morning during hot summer days.

Search Terms: (Here are words you might use in a search engine, like Google, to find similar information) Cozumel west downtown Miguel money bar french quarter mini golf

A vacation nomad visits Cozumel, Mexico (Part 3 - what to see)

Visit both sides of the island in Cozumel.

Cozumel is a unique island in many ways but in one particular way, it has two sides.  The east and west sides of the island are opposites because of the way the island is positioned between land and the wide open sea.  Today we are going to visit the less developed east side of Cozumel.  But, no less adventuresome and interesting because it faces the open ocean.  On the east side of the island here's how I enjoy Cozumel, Mexico.

1.  You definitely need a rental vehicle to get over to this side of the island and explore.  Even as cheap as taxis are in Cozumel, a taxi will cost you more than a rental car for the day and is less flexible in exploring every stop on the east side of the island.  So, get you a rental car and 

let's explore.      

2.  The east side of the island does not have electricity.  All food and drinks are prepared using gas or propane tanks.  This also brings up the issue that without electricity, you can't process credit cards.  So get enough cash to last you for the day for food, drinks and trinkets.  And bring your camera.  There are ocean pictures you can get here you don't want to miss.  And print out a map.  Not that you will get lost but just so you will know where the landmarks are. 

3.  There are restaurants, bars and shops every so often down the east side of the island.  Get a map and stop at as many as you want.  Here are a couple I would recommend as highlights.  Coconuts Bar & Grill is built on a cliff and has the most awesome view in Cozumel.   You can also walk down a path from Coconuts to a mostly secluded beach.  If you go during April to September, you can also see sea turtles.  You can also enjoy Mescalito's as one of the first or last bars you hit on your east side trip.   You can also rent boogie boards or enjoy hammocks at most of these places that are open until dusk.

4.  Visit the Celerain lighthouse and the southern most point of the island.   It is on a wildlife reserve so you can see other creatures, including the feeding of crocodiles.  You can walk to the top of the lighthouse and they also have an interesting little museum.  It's a little on the high side at $10 per person but worth at least a one-time visit.

5.  There is a main road that cuts across Cozumel and it is about half-way on this road between the east and west side that you will find the Mayan ruins of San Gervasio.  You can pay a small fee and at your own pace view the ruins or you can pay a set fee of $50 or more for a guide.  There are very few trees covering the ruins so be sure to take hats, sunglasses and water.  There is a little bar there and shops so you can pick up what you need there if you forget anything.

Search Terms: (Here are words you might use in a search engine, like Google, to find similar information)  Cozumel coconuts map east Coconuts Mescalito lighthouse

A vacation nomad visits Cozumel, Mexico (Part 2 - how to live)

Be a local and try new things in Cozumel.

Going to Cozumel is more like going home.  So, I  want to get a house, car, find the grocery store and set up camp.  I'm more into staying in the local scene, mixing with the locals, learning something new, instead of visiting the same things I can visit in the U.S. on a daily basis.  That is why you are more likely to find me at a B&B or a local rental versus an all-inclusive and driving an old volkswagon or jeep versus and air-conditioned car.  Here's how I makethat happen in Cozumel, Mexico.

Mi Casa Su Casa. 

One of the first places I will check is with Cozumel Insider.  Sherri's website provides an indepth overview of everything Cozumel and where to stay is a great part of it.  You can find all kinds of price ranges, locations and amenities to suit your need.    I do have a weakness for Casa Del Mar that is right on the ocean and has a swim-up bar.  It's a step away from a local place but right on the beach, very quiet and a little outside of downtown. The last place I stayed was at Casa deja Blue.   You almost have your own private pool and it is a convenient few blocks walk to Chedraui marketplace. 

Where to get a cheap auto rental

I always go rent a topless VW bug at Smart Car Rental.  Let me give you several tips for using them though.  Know that they will try and get extra money wherever they can so here is how to work with them. 

- Print out the page from this link that lists the prices (because the prices may be quoted different when you arrive.  Fill out their online form and make sure you get a response.  Print a copy of that. 

- When you arrive at the airport, Smart Car rental is not in the airport.  If you look out the front glass doors of the airport, you will see it across the field (about a 1/2 mile walk).  So, plan to have someone wait in the A/C at the airport with all the luggage and have another jaunt over to get the car.  It isn't a quick process so it can take maybe 20 minutes to get everything done. 

- Get the name of the person who rents you the car and have them follow you around the car while you take pictures with your digital camera.  Be sure to have a conversation about any damage issues to the car.  I once had them try to get $50 bucks out of us for a dent that was there when we picked it up.  Since we started getting the name of the person and taking pictures with them there, no problems! 

To me all the haggle is worth it because you can get a car for like $16.50 a day - way cheaper than any other rental.  Also look on Sherri's site above for current gas prices and tips for getting gas. 

Where to get groceries (and everything else)

Chedraui (pronounced sha-drah-wee) is a large marketplace similiar to Wal-mart, but with even lower prices if you can imagine that.  It's a great place to buy souveniers and grocery shop.  You can buy an assorted dozen pastries for like $5.    Try some interesting variations on yogurts, ice cream and other items.  Make your own salsa to enjoy at your rental.  A bunch of tomatoes, cilantro, onions, jalapenos will cost you all of like two bucks.  Don't spend it all in one place.  Also the best spot to stock up on your beer or alcohol for beach excursions.  Chedraui is just a little outside of downtown and also has a movie theater there.

   

OK, you have a roof over your head, transportation for anywhere on the island and food to eat.  Join me next time for what to see in Cozumel, Mexico.

A vacation nomad visits Cozumel, Mexico

Getting to Cozumel can be part of the fun!

(Part 1 - Getting there)

Some people get homesick, I get vacationsick.  I can't stay away from a vacation too long before I feel separation anxiety and feelings of longing.  I am a vacation nomad moving from vacation to vacation.  Operating as a nomad, I have to keep expenses low so I can do it often.  Here's how I make that happen in  Cozumel, Mexico.

First I fly in to Cancun. 

I hardly ever fly directly into Cozumel because it is very costly.  As as nomad, I'm fine with saving money and experiencing a great adventure.  So here is how I usually get to Cozumel.  During the off season (June-August because the season is extremely hot), rates are more equal but during peak season (November-April), flights can run almost double directly to Cozumel.  Compare the airfare prices between Cancun and Cozumel. 

Take a bus to Playa Del Carmen.

You can catch the bus to Play Del Carmen right at the Cancun airport.  It's $7 per person (less if you purchase roundtrip) and takes about 45 minutes.  You get to ride with the locals and have a really neat view of the country side on the way.  There are buses going out on a regular bus schedule so you might want to plan your flight to arrive to catch one of these departing buses. 

Catch the ferry to Cozumel.

The ferry costs about $13 per person ($25 or so for roundtrip) and it takes about 30 minutes.  The ferries leave about every hour so it is a beautiful ride across the ocean in an air conditioned ferry.    Even if you get there and have a small wait, there are several restaurants on the pier to sit down and start your vacation with a drink!  Note:  It is several blocks on bumpy sidewalks to get from the bus station to the ferry port so be prepared for about a 10-15 minute walk with any luggage you bring!  You can catch a taxi for that short distance but, more money.

   

Basically this jaunt costs you $20 per person - $40 roundtrip.  So you can add that to your plane ticket cost and see if it's cheaper than a direct flight to Cozumel.  Or, maybe you want to pay it just for the nomade experience!  The nice thing about getting there in this manner is, not only can you save money but with a little nomad effort, you have experienced more cities in Mexico and more of the culture too.  Now if I could just find something that could make me a full-time vacation nomad. 

Search Terms: (Here are words you might use in a search engine, like Google, to find similar information)  Cozumel Mexico off season ferry bus schedule Playa Del Carmen

101: Vacation planning online - Customer satisfaction

(Part 5 of 5 - Customer Satisfaction)

"United Breaks Guitars".  That's what I wanted to title this last step in planning online vacations because it is a great example of horrible customer service and how to deal with it. (See the rest of the story below) So far we have covered four steps to making sure you get your monies worth out of online vacation planning.  On to the final step in making sure you get what you pay for online.   (Other four steps below!)

  

Step Five:

Large corporations forget what customer service means.  It doesn't mean 'did you meet all our rules and regulations' to make sure we can service your needs as a customer.  Unfortunately, that is where we are at as a customer.  So here are some ways to go about getting good customer service.

- Fall back on step one and have a print-out of all services listed.

- Document each person you talk to and the date/time.

- Make sure you are speaking with a decision maker to get a resolution.

- Provide proof of the issue if you can. (photos, documents, witnesses)

The rest of the story...

If all else fails or you feel you are getting the run-around on a resolution, go viral! See how this guy handled it with a YouTube music video release.  Maybe the large corporations will understand it doesn't take someone with a lot of money or fame to call them on the carpet about their poor customer service conduct.  It just takes someone with access to the Internet and a little skill.

101: Vacation planning online - Refunds

>(Part 4 of 5 - Refunds)

Save $100's of dollars or at the very least, walk away a very satisfied customer.  Sometimes it is hard to know if you are getting or will get the best deal for your money when you book online.  Here are some steps to helping you arrive at the best savings.  (Don't forget to check out the other steps below!) 

  

Step Four:

Asking for a refund is a big issue.  Be honest with yourself on why you are wanting a refund.  Did you really not get something you paid for or did you just not have a good time?  You need to have an actual, viable reason for requesting a refund.  Here are some tips for getting a refund.

- Before ever booking your vacation, be sure you are fully aware of the limitations of the refund policy.

- Remain professional and polite when requesting a refund.  Anything else will get you nowhere.

- Referring to rule number one, keep every printed material you have.  You will need it to back up your refund request.

- Make sure you are talking to the right person to get your refund.  Briefly explain your issue and ask who you need to speak with to get it resolved.

- Be willing to negotiate or trade.  Maybe you can't get a refund but you will get two free nights some other time.

- Ask for non-cash refunds if you think the company is unwilling to cooperate.  Companies are more likely to give up something that doesn't directly cost them.

The rest of the story...

I visited a game spot that I frequent all around the U.S.  I was disappointed to find a new cover of $10 was being charged to everyone who entered.  Instead of complaining at the door where I knew the doorman didn't have the authority to waive it, I paid and went to the front help desk.  There I asked if there was an exception for long-time members and waved my gold card around.  Sure enough, the manager handed over a money card that I could use for games or drinks valued at $10.  Refunds are worth asking for if you feel you have already paid your dues.  Apparently I wasn't the only one who brought it up because you now automatically get the $10 value for your $10 cover.  It all adds up!

101: Vacation planning online - Hidden fees

(Part 3 of 5 - Hidden Fees)

Do you know if you are getting or will get the best deal for your money when you book online?  I'm covering five steps that can help you save $100's of dollars if not at least keep you a very satisfied customer.  Print-outs and photos were covered and now we are off on hidden fees. 

  

Step Three:  (Link to other steps below)

Fees for parking, additional persons/beds, access to the gym or wifi all these and more can be added into your final hotel bill.  The problem is a lot of hotels do not make these fees known in advance or are very hidden on their websites. So, what can you do?

- Always ask if there is a charge before you use any service.

- Try booking through 3rd party travel websites that tend to have more clear postings of all charges.

- Negotiate.  A lot of fees for services you never used can be removed from your bill.

- If fees are generic, ask what they are for.  Again if it isn't something you used, asked to have it removed.

- Ask what all is included in the room charge.

- Find out what the room tax is or if there is a service fee and what it is for.

Some experts say that if the fee is not disclosed to you at the time of your reservation, then you should refuse to pay it. Most hotels are willing to negotiate something.

The rest of the story...

I was staying at this hotel in Mexico when I looked up my bill status on the TV.  To my suprise, there was a $15 a day fee for use of the gym and business center, neither of which I had used or planned to use.  I tried negotiating with the front desk but it was at that time they pretended to not understand English very well.  Thankfully I had booked through a third party vendor - Expedia and they contacted the hotel for me and had the charges removed. That was a $210 savings because I was booked for two weeks.  Every little bit counts so be aggressive but professional about getting those hidden fees removed.

101: Vacation planning online - Photos

(Part 2 of 5 - Photos)



I am covering five important steps to making sure you get what you expect from any travel site.  When booking online, how do you know you are getting or will get the best deal for your money?  Find out because the difference between following one of these steps or skipping one could mean $100's of dollars savings on your vacation or you as a very satisfied customer. 

  

Step Two:  (Link to other steps below)

(a)  The second step to saving money on your next vacation is tied up in photographs.  Don't rely on the photos on a travel site to choose a room or an upgrade.  These photos are what I've heard jokingly called 'Chamber of Commerce Day shots'.  Meaning, they have a professional photographer capture only what they want, the time of day when they want it and with touch-ups.  We are all wise enough to know this but we can get carried away. 

(b)  On the other hand, sometimes the photos are supposed to be legit representations of what we are receiving.  If that is the case, fall back on step number one and print out the pictures of your next vacation spot to ensure you get what you paid for.

(c)  Always check out multiple sites and visit travel comments sites to find out what you are really getting in to before you make your next reservation. 

The rest of the story...

Los Cabos is an entire area encompassing two very different towns, Cabo San Lucas & San Jose del Cabo.  I was not aware of that when I was researching and planning my vacation.  If I had relied on the photos on some of the hotel/travel sites, I would have thought San Jose del Cabo was in the center of all the action.  Most of the photos were just being passed around from site to site or purchased for posting.  Cabo San Lucas has more the party atmosphere and a lot of shopping while San Jose del Cabo is a little more laid back, quiet and art centric.  The towns are over 30 minutes apart but that is not clear through some of the hotel depictions.  That can be quite a distance if you are relying on a taxi so skip the photos and do a little reading.   

101: Vacation planning online - Printouts

(Part 1 of 5 - Print-outs)

When booking online, how do you know you are getting or will get the best deal for your money?  Stay tuned for all five important steps to making sure you get what you expect from any travel site.  If you are pinching pennies when you plan your vacation, then the importance of using the travel sites to your advantage is critical.  The difference between following one of these steps or skipping one could mean $100's of dollars.   

Step One:

The first step in saving money online actually relies on an old-fashioned method - Print.  There are a lot of reasons why you can purchase something you see online and then when you get there, it isn't what was promised. 

 - The website wasn't updated.  Specials are no longer valid, new rates apply, etc.

 - New specials have not been communicated from corporate to the local chain.

The best approach with management is to state you are aware these types of errors can occur but because you have a print-out of the special, rate or discount, it is still applicable to you and you know in some way the management will find a way to honor it.  Be persistent but polite.

The rest of the story...

I recently visited Las Vegas, with printouts in hand.  I had signed up for the summer special which gave me about $700 in discounts and freebies.  When I arrived and checked in, nothing was offered or supplied for the special.  When I asked for it I was sent back and forth between the front desk and membership desk, with some saying it was expired, etc.  They could have easily brushed me off but I had the dated print-out of my reservations in hand including the $700 special information which was still valid.  It took some persistent politeness but management pulled through and came up with all my discounts plus a little extra for inconvenience.  I won't mention the name of the casino but it's the one where the girls all wear the little orange shorts and have an owl mascot.  Thanks to management for coming through!  Remember to have that print-out in hand, it can make all the difference on your vacation.