If you are headed to Cancun, Mexico you need to read this. Here is a list all the things you need to know before you go.

Cancun:

Although I had a wonderful experience in Cancun, it was not because of the city. As I asked around (other travellers and locals) what their was to do in Cancun, they all pretty much said to go to the beach, walk the strip mall, but first and foremost take day trips.

From the airport:

When you fly into the Cancun Airport, it is actually quite far outside of downtown Cancun, where most people will want to be. I took the ADO bus into town. The bus ride is about 30/45 minutes. After that, I took a $30 peso taxi ride to my hostel. It was a little under a mile, but not knowing what the sidewalk or area was like (plus having luggage), I opted for the taxi. The ADO bus runs through a majority of Central American countries. Extensively in Mexico, and it can take you right into Belize city.
- Buses are modern, comfortable, and affordable. I always felt safe. They have restrooms inside the bus as well. There is normally some type of Spanish movie or TV show playing, which is fun to watch. All of the buses that I rode in had outlets in them, but no wifi.
- Also leave time for buses running late, because I do not think a single one of them ran on time.
- The downfall is that it is not announced in an official manner when you arrive at a stop, so you always have to be vigilant and aware. You must be proactive in making sure that you are in the correct spot.
Know before you go:
- Bus ride to Cancun from airport is not close.
- Your bank at home will give you a much better exchange rate, but know what the going rate is when you are there so that locals don’t try to rip you off.
- Barter on prices with the street vendors. They always charge more for tourists.
- Negotiate prices with taxis BEFORE you get in.
- Tipping rate in Mexico is 10%, but make sure to double check they don’t automatically add it in.
- Make sure you have small bills and coins for taxis, tips, etc.
- Although most people speak at least a little English, it is very helpful to know at least a little Spanish as well. Basic phrases like “how much,” “Where is the restroom?” “Can I see a menu?” “Can we have the bill please” “I need to purchase a ticket”
  - If you don’t have any Spanish knowledge at all, at least have google translate or a Spanish travel sized book.
  - Plus, locals appreciate the effort, just as we do in our home country.
Cancun as a whole felt pretty safe. As always exercise caution, use common sense,

Know before you go:

Do not drink the water in Mexico. If you do, you might experience something called “Montezuma's Revenge,” which sounds extremely unpleasant. With that, make sure you use purified water to brush your teeth as well.
The tipping percentage is 10%. For Americans, we are always used to tipping more like 15-20%, but that is not necessary.
When you use the restroom, all sanitary papers and products go in the trash. No paper ever goes into the toilet because their pipes cannot handle it.
Know what the going exchange rate is, because there are places that will try to give you a really bad exchange rate. Note: your bank back home typically gives you the best exchange rate. Most of the time they don’t even charge a service fee for it.
Most people speak a little bit of English, but not all. (and they shouldn't have to, it’s their country.) With that being said, it is extremely helpful to have basic spanish phrases memorized. Some that I found myself needing often included “how much is this?” “Where is the restroom?” “Can I see a menu?” “Can we have the bill please” “I need to purchase a bus ticket.” If you do not know any Spanish (like myself), pick up a Spanish travel book at your local bookstore, or on Amazon. If you will have internet service while you are there, Google Translate is a fantastic tool.
ADO is the main bus company in Mexico. The buses were modern, had restrooms on board, and were affordable. However, none of the buses that I took ran on time, so give yourself room in your plans to accommodate for that.