DESTINATION: PLAYA DEL CARMEN / PLAYACAR

Exotic, bohemian, funky Playa del Carmen marches to world beat drummers! Playa del Carmen boasts bistros, salsa to rave clubs and excursions to every part of the Yucatan. You can grab a bagel, spend the night in a 5-star hotel or simply rent a hammock under the stars or a palapa and enjoy a gelato made moments earlier in shades of tropical fruits.

As the jumping off point to Cozumel, the Mexican Caribbean's Mecca of diving, the pier at Playa Del Carmen is a beehive of excitement and activity as ferries cross the deep blue bay to Cozumel shuttling tourists and diving enthusiasts every hour. The nearby Señor Frog's Restaurant is always a terrific place to lounge with a cold beer and friends while waiting for the next ferry.

5th Avenue is the main artery paralleling the jaw-dropping Caribbean surf. Beaches are often more European than not while the overall ambiance leans towards the left as opposed to Cancun's more commercial take on tourist destinations. "Playa," as those who know it call it, is cool, chic and very accessible. Though expanding at an impressive rate, the destination has kept it's flair for individuality, charm and not-to-be-found-anywhere-else ambiance.