Fun with Friends, New and Old!
As we are fast approaching February 2026 to celebrate Alex, Dave, and Jeremy successfully making it around the sun another year, it seemed appropriate to have a centralized location for us to share information about the trip for planning and prep purposes. So, here we go, and we can add to this as necessary to get the hype machine going!
The Where and When
Our Final Destination
We are looking forward to some relaxing, partying, yoga...ing, and having fun in Playa Del Carmen, MX. Lots more on this below, but you will be flying into either Cancun, MX or Tulum, MX to then take a transfer (there are a couple private transport options listed below) from the airport to the Playa del Carmen area.
Playa del Carmen is a modern city with all the shopping, food, and fun to go along with it, and it is all within walking distance (within a mile) to explore what is 5th Avenue, the main walking path/road that runs parallel to the beach, offering it all. But go a block or two north to find other gems as well in the area!
Accommodation
Alex has found us a gorgeous accommodation in the Magia Beachside Condo. 8 bedrooms and 7 baths, with pool, a private hot tub, balcony views of the beach, and more! You can find condo pics and info. HERE.
Condo Address: Calle 16 Nte 1a, Gonzalo Guerrero, 77720 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico - MAP IT!
Note: Specific Unit information will be shared when received from the booking company closer to trip time.
The When
The condo has been reserved for February 12th - February 17th.
Note: More information to be shared regarding check-in/check-out timing upon receipt from the booking company.
Prepping and Getting to Mexico and Playa del Carmen
Take a read below to help with trip planning of getting ready and getting there!
Travel Documents
Passport: All you really need is your Passport. It is recommended that you have a printed copy of your passport as well, just in case.
Note: You must have 6 months until your passport expiration to be able to travel. There is some rhyme and reason to this if you want to research the why....
Airport Transfer Docs: You will receive these electronically if using one of the suggested providers, and it is suggested you print these as well...just in case your phone has any issues upon arrival.
Flight
Unless you are taking a boat, driving, biking, walking, or riding through Mexico, you will need to book a flight. Lots of direct options from Atlanta, and you will be looking to fly into Cancun, MX airport (CUN, which is 45 minutes to PDC) or Tulum, MX airport (TQO, which is 1.5 hours to PDC) to then hop onto some transportation to Playa del Carmen.
Delta flies direct from ATL to both CUN and TQO.
Airport Transfer
You have landed in Cancun or Tulum, now you need to get transportation to Playa del Carmen...which you will book ahead of time. Here are a few to consider.
Cancun to Playa del Carmen: USA Transfers* and Kalido Travel* (ranging between $145 and $175 round trip for up to 7 passengers) for private transportation.
Tulum to Playa del Carmen: Happy Shuttle and TulumAirportShuttle (ranging between $400 and $480 roundtrip for up to 3-7 passengers) for private transportation.
Our condo name (Magia Beachside Playa Condo) can be searched with transportation providers on their sites.
*Verified previously used by group members
Who's Who
Let's get a list of all attending and contact information, so we can harass (cough-cough), I mean communicate and share ideas with each other, leading up to and during the trip. You can add your deets in the following spreadsheet.
What to Bring
Far be it from anyone in the group to tell you what you can and can't bring, but some of us have experience in packing for this type of trip in carry-on only luggage (you only end up wearing half of what you pack anyway). Check out this Sample Packing List that will help give you some insights on what to bring. With a grocery store near by, some of this list may even be extreme!
TO DO in Playa del Carmen
Food and Drink
Playa del Carmen is quite the Foodie destination, catering to all types of cuisine.
Have you been to a favorite restaurant/bar? Let us know in the comments below.
Shopping/ Entertainment
Grocery: 5 blocks north of our "home" for the stay is a full on grocery store, Mega Soriana. Map It!
Clubbing it Up: Erbody goin to da club!!! Right???!!!! 😉
Quite a nightlife exists in Playa del Carmen, so how hard are you going?
Shopping: Playa del Carmen has turned into quite the shopping mecca, offering all the variations of touristy trinkets to high-end name-brand shopping, all within walking distance!
Know of a hot spot to share? Comment below.
Tours
Way too many to name, so will start with a few highlighted ones (per AI), and as group members share their experiences at any, we can add to the list!
Per AI search: Mayan ruins like Chichen Itza, Tulum, and Ek Balam, relax on the beautiful islands of Isla Mujeres, Cozumel, or Holbox, discover natural wonders such as the Sian Ka'an Biosphere and Bacalar Lagoon, and experience eco-parks like Xcaret for culture and adventure
Experienced Traveler Note: Make sure your tour is providing private transportation...as you do not want to have hours of just picking up and dropping off at all locales to and from your adventure.
Been on a fun tour before. Share in the Comments section below (operator name if you know it as well)
Massages
Yes, this has received it own section, and yes it is pluralized... as it has been confirmed on good authority that there are good massage options at "reasonable" prices within walking distance of our condo, so why get just one!
Boating/Sailing
What fun it is to get out on the water and enjoy the beach view...from the water!
There are numerous companies to choose from for sailing or motor boating adventures, with many including beverage and food service as part of the cruise!
Share in the comments of providers you have previously utilized!
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Comments
A couple of our food favorites are:
-500 Gramos - Steak forward restaurant
-La Famiglia - Italian Restaurant