Dear Fellow Thrill Seeker,

Congratulations on your soon-to-be trip to Cozumel. For some mythical reason, I feel right at home in Cozumel. I love the quaint vibe, the warm sun the gorgeous beaches, the scuba, the water-sports and the food. This is a popular cruise port as well as an island destination with a decent-sized international airport. If you haven't been,  then I suggest you start packing! 

My most recent trip was in August of 2018 to shoot an episode of "Beyond Your Backyard" for public broadcasting stations.  ​

Sincerely, 
​Erik

Beyond Your Backyard: Cozumel

​Season 2 Episode 1 | 26m 10s
In this episode, Erik travels to the Mexican island destination of Cozumel to learn more about Mayan Culture, through the food, the archaeological sites and deep below the ocean surface. Dive deep as he shows you how easy it is to fall in love with scuba diving, deep breathing and introspective reflection.
​

COZUMEL VIDEOS (FROM THE ARCHIVES)

COZUMEL - A LITTLE LIGHT READING

 

FAST FACTS
Country: Mexico
Mexican State: Quintana Roo
Time Zone: Eastern
Currency: Mexican Peso
Continent: North America​
Primary Language: Spanish

​​Passport: Yes, Americans need a valid passport to enter Mexico
Visa: American citizens do not need a visa if traveling for vacation

More information on passports & visas can be found here.

I love traveling abroad as much as I love traveling within my home country of the United States. However, I want you to be safe and be an excellent representative of your home country. Even in places that are very friendly to visitors, remember that you are in a foreign country and understanding local customs is critical. So, here are a few tips as you prepare for your adventure.

1. Before you depart from your home country, call The US Embassy (or your home country embassy) and tell them you are leaving your home country. That way they are aware of your whereabouts in case of emergency.
2. Carry only the credit cards you are using to charge expenses. Call those credit card companies before you leave. Do not travel with your debit cards. 
3. Clean out your wallet or purse and carry only what you need. 
4. Solve your mobile phone situation before you depart. Usually a phone call to your provider will get you started.
5. Keep all medications with you in your carry on.
6. Leave a photo copy of all your travel documents (passport, itinerary, copy of your credit cards) with a friend or at your home. 
7. Do not travel with expensive jewelry.
8. Make sure you travel with a valid passport or visa (if required). Also, bring another valid form of photo I.D., and photocopies of both I.D.s. in case of loss or theft.
9. Read up on local laws and practices before you get here.
10. Be a respective guest of the local customs and obey the local laws.
11. If English is not the primary language, then familiarize yourself with key phrases and make attempts in the country's primary language. Locals usually appreciate the effort.  
12. Keep luggage, handbags or backpacks in view at all times.
13. Keep possessions close to your body.
14. Don’t take around large amounts of cash.
15. Avoid wearing expensive jewelry on road trips or excursions.

For US citizens, visit the US State Department's website (for American citizens) before you travel abroad. Her'e's a direct link to get started. 

 

TRANSPORTATION
​​Airport(s):
Cozumel International Airport (Airport Code: CZM) receives direct flights from Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Halifax, Houston, Miami, Minneapolis, Montreal, and Toronto and regional flights from Mexico City.

Some visitors fly into Cancun (Airport Code: CUN) which has more flights, then take a bus or van south to Playa del Carmen and take the ferry across to Cozumel. 

Mass Transit:
The bus system is easy to navigate as most locals speak some English. 

Car:
Renting a car (from the airport) is painless, however, scooter rental is non advisable. Most traffic accidents involving tourists also involve scooters.  

Cruise Terminals:
If you are arriving by a cruise ship for the day, then you will arriving at one of two cruise terminals in the heart of downtown San Miguel.

​Train: n/a

 

THE WEATHER
Cozumel is an island located just of the coast of Mexico on the Eastern side of the country. The hottest month in Cozumel is August with an average temperature of 82°F (28°C) and the coldest is January at 75°F (24°C). The wettest month tends to be September. The best month to swim in the sea is in August when the average sea temperature is 84°F (29°C).

 

WHERE TO STAY
The Westin Cozumel
​Iberostar Cozumel

 

WHERE TO EAT
La Mission 

 

HELPFUL LINKS
Mexico has an official tourism bureau. Learn more by watching this video. In addition, here are links to the official bureaus for this destination, the state and the USA. 

​Mexico Official Tourism Site

MEET ERIK THE TRAVEL GUY!

​I am on a mission to get you traveling more often, staying longer and experiencing the potentially life-changing, positive power of travel. Here, you can count on the latest travel news, information, videos, tips, blog posts and podcasts from the online travel community to equip you with relevant information and advice. We'll also feature the latest news about our nationally syndicated television series "Beyond Your Backyard" which is seen by millions of viewers each week in 90% of US Households. Thank you for visiting!

​Erik ​