Exploring off-site from some of your favorite vacation resorts means your holiday gets a turn for the better! 
Cancun, the Riviera Maya, and Cozumel pretty much sum up what most people think in planning the perfect holiday getaway. Many of the all-time most popular Royal Holiday getaways are right here, with Cancun in the north, Cozumel to the south, and nothing but the gorgeous Riviera Maya in between. If you’ve already been to any of the Royal Holiday resorts in the area, you may think, “meh, been there, done that.” But Cancun, and the Riviera Maya are big, big places. We spoke with the folks at Royal Travel who also handle the airport transfers and where they specialize in tours and vacation services just for Royal Holiday vacationers. On your next holiday, consider a day trip to any one of the following, and you’ll see that even the most tried and true holiday destinations are there for a reason. Ten Must-See Day Trips from Your Royal Holiday Resort
- Cozumel – Well that may sound silly, as it’s one of the resort destinations in the first place. Believe it or not, vacationers in Cancun and Playa del Carmen have a blast on the short trip to Playa del Carmen, and then across the strait to good old Cozumel. There’s lots to do on Cozumel, (see below) and with easy transport a trip from Cancun and back can be done in one day.
- Playa del Carmen – Of course, the reverse trip is just as good. If you’re staying at the Grand Park Royal Cozumel, you can just make out the lights in Playa del Carmen on a clear night, and just above the horizon across the sea. Playa del Carmen is a chic, popular resort town and the shopping and food are world famous. It shouldn’t be missed, and it’s fun to visit even if you’re driving down from Cancun.
- Chichen Itza – Just about two hours from Playa del Carmen, and a little more from Cancun, the ruins at Chichen Itza are still the true superstar of the Yucatan peninsula. The site is an inspiring place to bring your kids or your parents and it needs to be visited at least once in a lifetime. Royal Travel regularly books guided tours, or they’ll get you into the transport of your choice if you want to go it alone.
- Other Ancient Sites: Tulum, Cobá & Nohoch Mul – A glimpse into the world of the ancient Maya is often enough to get people want more. Fortunately, even closer than Chichen Itza are spectacular sites, including world-famous Tulum on the sea, and the enormous only partly excavated city of Cobá & Nohoch Mul. Deeply impressive, any one of these sites will inspire the rest of your holiday.
- Isla Mujeres – Long a favorite for guests in Cancun, Isla Mujeres is still among the most popular boat trips for guests at the Grand or at the Park Royal Cancun. A day trip can include a nice lunch on the beach, some swimming or snorkeling, and your back at the resort in time for a well-deserved dinner.
- Xcaret – Whether you’re staying in Cancun, at the Grand Riviera Maya, or across the water on Cozumel, a trip to Xcaret is a must. Meticulously maintained and ecologically sensitive, Xcaret includes a butterfly pavilion, a Coral Reef Aquarium and shows and presentations to bring Mexican and Maya culture and history to life. And Xcaret is just the main park. They’ve branched into a wildly popular family of parks that include
Xel-Há – for snorkeling and outdoor activities. Xenotes – for organized trips to the cenotes, underground swimming and exploring. Xplor – for truly sky-high ziplines over the jungle. Xochimilco – right in Cancun, it’s a culinary experience and just one of many suitable for grown-ups. Ask Royal Travel. They’re the experts on the many seasonal and year-round activities at, in, and around Xcaret. For more information, write to: discoverxcaret@royal-holiday.com On Cozumel:
- Boat Tours – Although they’re available on the Riviera and in Cancun too, folks on Cozumel seem to take to the sea. Magnificently clear sea mean you can go out for scuba or snorkeling, but lots of folks are happy with a sunset and dinner.
- Faro Celerain Eco Park – The lighthouse at Punta Sur Eco Beach Park is at home in a protected area covering the entire southern part of the island. Home to lots of exotic birds, Cozumel’s mini versions crocodiles and sea turtles, there’s a lot to see and just seeing a little more of the Island make it a fantastic journey.
- Chankanaab – Just down the street from the Grand Park Royal Cozumel (about 11 kms) Chankanaab is a water park befitting water as beautiful as the sea surrounding Cozumel. With diving and snorkeling tours, swimming with the dolphins, and one of Cozumel’s most inviting beaches, it’s one of the places that’s sure to make you glad you came for a visit. Admission fees are quite reasonable, and they include participation in much that’s going on.
- Car Rentals and Organized Excursions – From the Grand Park Royal Cancun, the Park Royal Cancun, the Park Royal Cozumel, or from the Grand Riviera Princess, getting out and about is easy and fun. Car rental terms are easy, even for very short trips, and there are far more organized tours and excursions than we can go into here. Fortunately, the Royal Travel team includes some very enthusiastic people who will be more than happy to let you know who, what, where, and when. Schedules do change and smaller tour operators come and go, but there’s a tremendous amount to see and explore and experience. Speak with Royal Travel once you’ve checked in, or give them a call before you arrive, and they’ll plan something extra special.