Anonymous wrote:Neither place is all that safe. There is a reason why Mexico is so cheap. Either that bothers you or it doesn’t.

One reason Mexico is cheap is that the government has spent the past 50 years prioritizing and building up the tourist infrastructure. I always feel very safe in the tourist areas in Mexico. I speak Spanish so talk a lot to cab drivers, people who work in stores, etc. one of the reason ordinary Mexicans like the jobs in tourist areas is that there is very little cartel activity there. I think it’s the basic social compact between the government and the cartels — stay out of the tourist areas. (Also if you are looking to move lots of product north, gojng through the tourist areas is not the most efficient and doesn’t provide you the places to hide that the inland areas do, where you can just melt into the mountains or deserts).
There is the usual problems with pickpockets or drunk people out late at njgth getting robbed that you find in any tourist area.
But you can’t beat Mexico for customer service and genuinely friendly/helpful people. Most Mexicans consider us their neighbors and treat us accordingly.

But one thing is that I don’t think you find the big sandy beaches in much of Yucatán that you do in some Caribbean islands. So the snorkeling and diving in Cozumel are great but the beaches are more rocky.

So to Seven stars instead.

With an only child - consider inviting another friend along (you cover cost)

Friends went to the club med there (30s, all single and no kids) and loved in. Honestly that package seems so pricey and to me turks is a place to consider going without kids

Neither place is all that safe. There is a reason why Mexico is so cheap. Either that bothers you or it doesn’t.

Parts of the area around Grace Bay are sketchy. You would not be walking much. Good food though. Coco Bistro, Coyaba.

I love parents of onlies who rely on finding other kids to entertain their kid.

Anonymous wrote:We have reservations for Turks & Caicos for spring break and I’m not sold. The ritz etc are too expensive $2K+ a night and the other lodging looks nice’ish but also expensive. Then I pulled up Cancun and Riveria Maya and the places there are much cheaper for more stars. Fairmont Mayakoba for almost 1/2 the cost for example.

If you’ve been, do you recommend Turks? We have a 10 year old with us. Fun for kids? I hear Grace Bay Beaches are gorgeous. What else? Fun town? Good restaurants? Things to do?

Skip it not worth it.

We went to Beaches T&C a few years ago (kids were 14 and 12 at the time). The beach was beautiful and the kids had fun - but it wasn't worth the price. The area surrounding Grace Bay isn't much to write home about. You'd definitely get more bang for your buck at Cancun or Punta Cana. Just do your research before choosing a resort because as 9:35 mentioned there are some bad ones.

Anonymous wrote:Turks is amazing...I have been to many supposed "great" Mexican resorts...yuck!

Where did you stay?

Turks is amazing...I have been to many supposed "great" Mexican resorts...yuck!

Anonymous wrote:How does your family like to spend time on vacations? What kind of activities? It’s hard to answer this not knowing more details. Eg My tween can spend an entire vacation in the water, reading on the beach, etc.

Beach, pool, good food are our top priorities. Plus walking around a cute town, shopping if possible. Ideally somewhere with other kids so our child can make a friend and play in water or beach with them.

How does your family like to spend time on vacations? What kind of activities? It’s hard to answer this not knowing more details. Eg My tween can spend an entire vacation in the water, reading on the beach, etc.

Fairmont Mayakoba is lovely but its beach doesn’t compare to the Caribbean in Turks.

Nonetheless, $2k/night is absurd.

We have reservations for Turks & Caicos for spring break and I’m not sold. The ritz etc are too expensive $2K+ a night and the other lodging looks nice’ish but also expensive. Then I pulled up Cancun and Riveria Maya and the places there are much cheaper for more stars. Fairmont Mayakoba for almost 1/2 the cost for example.

If you’ve been, do you recommend Turks? We have a 10 year old with us. Fun for kids? I hear Grace Bay Beaches are gorgeous. What else? Fun town? Good restaurants? Things to do?