Things I take that are totally random but nice to have:

• Take sunscreen- it is super expensive on the island
• Drivers License to rent a Golf Cart
• Collapsible cooler for cheap beer/drinks/water at the beach (buy drinks at grocery store)
• Empty Ziplock bags-wet stuff, etc
• Those neck cooler/bandana thingies that Academy sells—only needed if you’re going in the summer months (June, July, August)
• Bathingsuits/cover-ups for daytime and sundresses/casual attire for evenings. Even the fancier places are super duper laid back
• There are full-service laundry places on the island.   They are fast and cheap! We use the Mis Dos Angelitos (blue building on Ave Lopez Mateos between Hidalgo and Guerrero). Drop off in the am and pick up in the evening. It was around $5 for our load. We even take all of our laundry on the last day and don’t have to wash clothes when we get home. This last trip, it was $7.00 to wash three peoples’ laundry!  They have been taking longer than a day when they are busy but you can request express service.

Other things we know now….

–       Don’t worry about the water.  All restaurants use filtered water for ice and serve bottled water.  Your hotel most likely has a filtered water cooler where you can refill your water bottles.

–     Fruit is fine but I don’t usually put the lime down into my beer.  I just squeeze it and throw it out.  If you buy fruit at the grocery store to keep in your room, get some Microdin.  Put a few drops in a bowl of water (or your sink) and allow fruit to soak for a bit (read instructions for timing).  It is in the fruit section at Super Express (hanging below the fruit tables last time).

–     We don’t get sick in isla, I think that a lot of Mexico travelers get sick from buffet food at all-inclusives.  I’m not saying it’s not possible, but we haven’t had any problems.

–      You may have continental breakfast provided by the hotel. HOWEVER, don’t get too full, as breakfast is the very best meal on the island (in our opinion).

–       Lots of restaurants deliver. Ask the front desk to call for you. Rolandi’s Pizza is outstanding and easy to order. We love to order pork ribs from Kash Keken Chuc. ¾ kilo is great for two people. 160 pesos with rice, cole slaw, tortillas and sauces. They are only available for lunch.  Oscars has good pizza but amazing garlic knots.  Also find “Isla Coleena” on FB.  She will deliver from just about ANY restaurant on the island!

–       Make sure you spend a day on Playa Norte. (around the corner from Media Luna, look for the turquoise water). You can rent an umbrella and chairs for $10-$15 but if you go down to either Sunset Grill or to the Yellow chairs just past Sunset Grill, you can use chairs for free if you order food and drinks. Playa Norte is great for swimming, people watching, and shopping. Vendors are local islenos. They won’t hassle you but they will offer to sell you anything from peanuts to jewelry. We usually spend some money here just to help out and contribute to the island. They are usually so gracious to make a sale. You can get a great massage on Playa Norte. $30-$40 for an hour is what I have found in the past. Alicia is my favorite for massages and she is currently across from Jax on the bay side in the center tent.

In recent years, Playa Norte has lost some sand (it’ll come back at some point).  We have enjoyed the more “local” feel of Playa Sol.  It’s diagonal from Jax and just to the right of the Privelege Chairs and umbrellas.  There is a cute bar called Caribbean Queen with blue and white striped chairs.  The chairs are free if you consume.  The staff is great and the bar is in a little “jungle.”  They have restrooms and lockers behind the bar.  Love this spot.

Golf Carts

Most are 550 pesos for 24 hours. (650 during high season winter months) We like to do 11am-11am or so. That way we have it for breakfast the next day (Mango Café!). They have large ones where all seats face forward for 650 pesos. Worth it if you are all going together. We prefer to rent from Ciros. It’s on Guerrero street (one-way heading towards North Beach). They have the Jeep/Chevy themed carts. Ask for a fast one (good luck, lol). Resist the urge to use a credit card as I heard a story about a year ago of someone who was charged for a “stolen” golf cart (like $5000 USD). Turns out the company had “stolen” it back to itself and charged the tourists! It is uncommon and maybe the only time it has ever happened but use cash to be safe.  NOTE:  I heard that the golf cart companies have increase peso prices to reflect the current inflation rate.  It may be more like 850 pesos but is still the same in USD after conversion (about $45-$55 USD).

If you are traveling between Christmas and Easter, try to pre-book your golf cart as they can be hard to find.  Especially during the week leading up to Easter which is a Mexican national holiday.

 iPHONES

AT&T users! You lucky dogs, AT&T bought some of the towers in Mexico and you can now use your phone as usual!  You will have to call and add the Mexico Package but it’s FREE!

If you have an iphone, here are some tips for not getting charged a million dollars for roaming and such.  You are able to imessage other iphone users while on wifi, although it is spotty at times. We usually keep ours on Airplane mode with no problems or charges. You’ll have to tap “cancel” if it gives you a disable message.  Facebook messenger has been super reliable as well.  Messages come through like a text when on wifi.   FaceTime works great and TANGO is a great app for video calls between non-iphoners.  There is also one called WhatsApp that many of the local businesses use.

Here are the suggestions from AT&T:

Traveling the world with your iPhone

Here are some easy ways to help minimize international data charges when traveling overseas:

Keep Data Roaming “OFF:” Download and install the latest iPhone software (version 2.0) from iTunes. By default, the setting for international data roaming will be in “OFF.” To turn data roaming “ON/OFF” tap on Settings>General>Network>Data Roaming

Utilize Wi-Fi instead of GPRS/EDGE/3G: Wi-Fi is available in many international airports, hotels and restaurants to browse the web or check email.

Turn off your phone’s “auto-check” function for email, as data usage from email can accrue quickly. Check email manually using Wi-Fi instead of having email downloaded automatically. This way you can control the flow of data coming to your phone. To turn off the Auto-check functionality tap on: Settings>Mail>Auto-Check and select Manual

Consider purchasing an international data package, which can significantly reduce the cost of using data abroad. AT&T offers Data Global plans with low rates in over 90 countries.*

Reset the usage tracker to zero: When you arrive overseas, access the usage tracker in the general settings menu and select reset statistics. This will enable you to track your estimated data usage.

Verify international services are activated on your account. Remember to ask about data charges and plans to save costs on voice and data use.