Cancun - a shopper's haven in tropical paradise
(ARA) - A vacation in the tropics isn't complete without bringing home a couple souvenirs. And if you make Cancun your next destination, there are plenty of shopping opportunities for you to rest that sunburn, relax in some air conditioning and find those really neat trinkets that will have everyone back home asking where you went.
If you're looking for hand-carved wooden utensils or figurines, pottery, beautifully woven blankets or clothing, or beautiful jewelry, there are many shopping opportunities near many of the Cancun hotels. Here are just a couple of the larger shopping centers where you can spend a few hours or even a few days.
To really keep your shopping trip full of Mexican authenticity, make Plaza Bonita Cancun in the downtown area your first stop. The shopping mall is designed like a Mexican villa (the name means beautiful plaza), and many of the stores cater directly to the handcrafted items that intrigue many tourists. And as a bonus, next door is the famous Market 28, which is similar to a flea market stuffed with handcrafted merchandise ranging from jewelry to fine art. This market also allows shoppers to try a little bartering.
Many tourists arrive in Cancun on different cruises for just a day, which dramatically reduces the amount of shopping time available. If that's the case, then you'll want to stop by the Market Ki-Huic downtown. It will be bustling with other tourists, but this is the market where you can barter for real authentic Mexican souvenirs made by local vendors.
But if you are more interested in bargain shopping and have a little extra time to spare, head out to Plaza Caracol located near the Convention Center. You'll find boutique stores of well-known labels like Ralph Lauren, Gucci and United Colors of Benetton full of the same items sold in the United States, but at lower prices.
Cancun vacations are not complete without the purchase of some local spices and drink choices to bring back home. Real vanilla extract is very popular, as are dried peppers and bottles of tequila. Just make sure you check with customs about what foods and liquids are allowed to be imported across the border.
When planning your next Cancun vacation, visit online travel sites like Travelocity.com to make sure you find the best deals when it comes to flights, hotels and fun excursions. If you're able to save some money when planning the trip, you can put it toward the great Mexican trinkets you'll bring home as souvenirs.
Courtesy of ARAcontent