u/Jbroom_

I’m planning my first trip to Playa del Carmen (8 days in May) and I’m trying to lock in where to stay and how to avoid overpaying for mediocre tourist food.

I’ve been looking at areas like Centro / Gonzalo Guerrero / Zazil-Ha and I keep seeing mixed opinions, so I’d love real advice from people who’ve actually stayed there.

A bit about me:

• I want a walkable area (don’t want to rely on taxis every day)
• Planning to do Cozumel day trip + cenotes + beach days
• I don’t care about nightlife or luxury resorts
• I’m fine with simple/cheap food as long as it’s good
• Biggest priority is not getting stuck eating overpriced “tourist menu” food on 5th Ave

My main questions:

1. Where should I actually stay if I want walkability(less than 20 min walk) but also quieter nights?
2. How easy is it to find authentic, cheap food off the main strip?
3. Are there specific streets/areas I should just avoid eating on completely?
4. Any “must eat” local spots that aren’t tourist traps? (tacos, breakfast, etc.)
5. Your favorite places to go and why

Also, I’ve heard 5th Ave is mostly overpriced — is it really that bad for food or are there still decent spots mixed in?

Would really appreciate honest opinions — trying to avoid making the classic “first timer” mistakes.

Thanks in advance.

I’m trying to plan a Riviera Maya trip and I’m stuck between overplanning it and just keeping it simple, so I figured I’d ask people who’ve actually been there.

Flying into Cancun, but I’m leaning toward just staying in Playa del Carmen the whole time instead of moving around to places like Tulum. I’m not really trying to do the resort thing or constantly switch hotels. I’d rather just have a solid base where I can walk to food, chill, and do day trips when it makes sense.

Main things I want out of the trip:
cenotes (especially ones where you can jump in a bit, nothing crazy extreme though)
snorkeling (Cozumel seems like the main one)
beach days mixed in with exploring
good cheap food / tacos / walkable town vibe
maybe one or two “bigger” day trips but not something every day.

I don’t want it to turn into one of those trips where I’m exhausted from logistics or constantly packing and moving around. At the same time I don’t want it to feel boring or repetitive just staying in one place.

Any recommendations or advice?

Thanks!

Hi we are looking to rent some kayaks. Do you guys have any recommendations on where to rent them for the best price and where to take them out at?

Thanks!

First time going to Alaska (6 nights), staying in Anchorage the whole time (already booked). Renting a car and doing day trips.

Here’s what we have so far:

Day 1: Arrival Anchorage, pickup rental, groceries, optional Rabbit Lake hike
Day 2: Salmon fishing tour (Knik River)
Day 3: Matanuska Glacier guided tour + Glenn Highway drive
Day 4: (empty day)
Day 5: Seward day trip – Exit Glacier + Harding Icefield Trail
Day 6: (empty day)
Day 7: (empty day, departure flight at 9:30 PM)

We’re debating:

• Day 4: thinking of renting kayaks at Eklutna Lake — is this worth it or are there better spots near Anchorage? What else should we pair with this day?
• Day 6: thinking of doing an orca / glacier cruise in Kenai Fjords National Park. Is this worth doing as a second Seward trip or too much driving?
• Day 7: best way to spend last day before late flight? Easy scenic stuff, food spots, or short hikes?

Would love recommendations on:

• better kayaking spots (if any)
• whether Seward twice is worth it
• anything we’re missing that’s a must-do for first timers

First time going to Alaska (6 nights), staying in Anchorage the whole time (already booked). Renting a car and doing day trips.

Here’s what we have so far:

Day 1: Arrival Anchorage, pickup rental, groceries, optional Rabbit Lake hike
Day 2: Salmon fishing tour (Knik River)
Day 3: Matanuska Glacier guided tour + Glenn Highway drive
Day 4: (empty day)
Day 5: Seward day trip – Exit Glacier + Harding Icefield Trail
Day 6: (empty day)
Day 7: (empty day, departure flight at 9:30 PM)

We’re debating:

• Day 4: thinking of renting kayaks at Eklutna Lake — is this worth it or are there better spots near Anchorage? What else should we pair with this day?
• Day 6: thinking of doing an orca / glacier cruise in Kenai Fjords National Park. Is this worth doing as a second Seward trip or too much driving?
• Day 7: best way to spend last day before late flight? Easy scenic stuff, food spots, or short hikes?

Would love recommendations on:

• better kayaking spots (if any)
• whether Seward twice is worth it
• anything we’re missing that’s a must-do for first timers