Ellyn's definition of Paradise: walking along exquisite beaches, gazing at glorious sunsets, turquoise aqua-teal seafoam colours of the Caribbean Sea, lovin' the exciting nightlife, having all I can eat and drink at an all-inclusive resort, sitting in the wet zone at an authentic Bullfight, exploring Xcaret, diving in a coral reef, spending a day at a soothing spa, enjoying a relaxing massage on the beach under the blissful shade of a swaying palm, exploring a deep azure cenote, drinking Dos Equis XX Beer, taking the ferry to Cozumel, feeling a balmy breeze on my face, dancing at CoCo Bongo or La Boom all night long, drinking in the lobby bar of the Iberostar with friends, swimming with dolphins, climbing to the top of the pyramid at Chichen Itza, meeting up at the Deli-Mart, watching a folkloric performance, eating tacos al pastor, enjoying sidewalk entertainers in Playa, parasailing, playing at a championship golf course in Playacar, exploring historic archeological sites and Mayan Ruins, getting a green light at the airport, dining on spectacular international cuisine, visiting Hekab Be Biblioteca, a charming one-room library/schoolhouse in Akumal and meeting Carlos and the children, dancing to Soca music, eating at La Habichuela, buying from the beach vendors with their brightly colored wares, drinking Don Julio Tequila, strolling quaint 5th Avenue in Playa del Carmen and stopping at every Cantina, having dinner at Las Mañanitas, eating the best Guacamole ever, visiting Tres Rios, exploring jungle lagoons, listening to a traditional strolling Mariachi Band, lunching at Lol-Ha in Akumal, shopping at Harrisons and buying Larimar jewelry, catching a glimpse of a howler monkey, flamingo, or peacock while walking the resort grounds, getting a henna tattoo and hair braids at my age, shopping at Kukulcan Plaza, strolling through craft-filled open air marketplaces and buying straw hats, silver jewelry, and serapes, seeing huge Iquanas at Zona Arqueological El Rey, buying a teal colored bottle of Cancun Cologne in the Shell scent, basking in an oversized hot-tub, riding a Collectivo, buying a shirt at Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville, bird-watching, exploring the Yucatan Peninsula, eating fish tacos or the ice cream at Lucy's in Akumal, getting up early to witness a breathtaking sunrise, taking a Pirate Cruise, spending a day at the historic city of Tulum and standing on a cliff overlooking a beautiful beach, scuba diving, visiting Crococun, drinking frosty cold salt-rimmed Margaritas, listening to Vengaboys tunes by the pool, enjoying a day at beautiful Xel-Ha, visiting the Xaman-Ha Aviary in Playa, snorkeling, dining in gourmet restaurants, taking a siesta in a thatched palapa, swinging in a hand knotted hammock, visiting Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, discovering Isla Mujeres, hearing the sweet swaying of palm trees, exploring the ruins at Coba, listening to salsa music, shopping at Mercado 28 and the even more adventurous Mercado 23 with its' open-air meat markets, driving a wave runner, driving south of PDC and exploring beaches, cenotes, and cities, being a part of MTV Spring Break, enjoying a sunset over the tranquil Laguna de Nichupte, Senor Frogs' and their world famous water slide, visiting ecological reserves and natural aquariums, sipping a chilled Corona with a lime, sitting in a jacuzzi, taking a lobster cruise, making footprints in the white powdery sand, dancing at Dady Rock, having a hilarious evening while dining at Perico's, renting jet-skis, shootin' tequila slammers, gazing at lush red tropical Hibiscus and Bougainvillea, watching iguanas sunning atop the ruins, enjoying the scent of coconut and cocoa butter suntan lotion wafting in the air, playing tequila volleyball, driving a thunder boat, listening to a Marimba band, eating warm tortillas, enjoying the sea turtle release program, and riding the wild and wacky Peso Bus. And my favorite thing of all ~ re-experiencing my pleasures by writing in my journal at the end of a glorious day in paradise

I have several Trip Report Web Pages with music and pictures as well as an online photo album that you can explore.

Playa Fiesta Trips to Playa Paraiso Mexico
Ellyn's 2008 ~ 2009 Riviera Maya Trip Report
Barceló Palace Maya Beach Resort
includes two trip reports in one to the beautiful Barceló Palace!

Reunion of Friends at the Barceló Colonial Maya Beach 2007
Ellyn's Playa Fiesta adventures
and visit to beautiful Akumal Bay!

Gathering of Friends at the Iberostar Paraiso 2004 ~ 2005 ~ 2006
Ellyn's Fiesta in Playa Paraiso/PDC PF'04
three reports in one (updated for return trips in 2005, and 2006!)

Adventures at the Iberostar Quetzal 2003
Ellyn's solo Playa del Carmen Trip Report
With updates for my return trip in 2006!

Escapades at the Royal Solaris Caribe 2002
Another solo trip.

Crazy Times at the Royal Solaris Caribe 2000
A solo trip.

Adventures at the Royal Solaris Caribe 1999
Another trip with my son.

Wild Times at the Crown Paradise Club 1998
A trip with my son.

Online Photos from Mexico
Trip reports and photos only go back as far as I've been online('98)

My Beach Board
My friend and favorite travel agent Tami hosts this awesome Playa del Carmen Message Board inhabited with wonderful, friendly, helpful Playa fans. This board is known as the 'kinder gentler' board.

Cancun and Riviera Maya Message Board
Affectionately referred to as CARM, this wonderful friendly board is hosted by my amigo Tim.

All About Cancun Message Board
The original Cancun Message Board started by RaM (Rich and Michelle) many years ago is back and hosted by Tim as well.

Tim's Cancun Chat Room
Chat live Wednesday nights at 8:00 p.m. (Central Time)

Unofficial Barceló Maya Forum ~ Message Board
The place to go to ask questions about the Barceló Maya Beach/Garden and Tropical/Colonial Resorts in the beautiful Riviera Maya in Mexico. A very nice board with friendly helpful Barcelónites!

Cancun Phorum ~ All About Cancun Message Board
A very good, friendly, easy to navigate board with a lot of helpful participants.

Royal Solaris Caribe Official Website
Beautiful pictures, information, schedule of activities, snail mail, fax and email addresses, and more from RSC in Cancun.

Cancun Videos
Grey Todd of Cancun Valet provides these short videos taken from locations all over Cancun!

Caribbean Colors
Tropical Themed Watercolor Paintings
Originals, prints, and note cards from Barry Launius, a 'visionary with a paintbrush'. Barry captures the serenity and flavor of the Caribbean with a pastel palette and a gentle touch.

Gringo Guide's Cozumel Message Board
Shell and Greg's informative message board on the Cozumel area.

Bill in Tulsa's Akumal Message Board
My cyberfriend Bill hosts a fantastic website on the Mayan Riviera's best kept secret:Akumal!

Playa del Carmen Message Board
An excellent Playa del Carmen and Playacar, and Riviera Maya Board.

Tourist Guide to Cancun Message Board
Cancun Message Board with links to a Cozumel Board and a Playa del Carmen Board.

Mayamaniac's Playa Boards
The Captain hosts this extensive forum with many message boards about the Playa del Carmen and Playacar area.

Playa del Carmen, Cancun, and Riviera Maya Phorum
Great message board for Playa and Mayan Riviera.

Travelocity Hotel Reviews
Read reviews at Travelocity on all Cancun Resorts and Hotels.

Caribbean and Mexico Travel Forum
Message board for the Caribbean Island Area and Mexico.

Cancuncare ~ Bringing you closer to Paradise!
Cancuncare is an information resource for vacationers to Cancun with a friendly message board. Steve and Jannet in England host this fascinating Cancun Web Site with beautiful pictures and useful information.

Elizabeth's Cancun Information
Cyberamiga Elizabeth's personal Cancun webpage with links to her wild trip reports, beautiful pictures, thoughts and feelings about paradise.

Web's Best Travel Stories of the Mayan Riviera
Written by travelers, for travelers, this book is a collection of trip reports, travel stories and hotel reviews culled from the Internet.
Now comes my shameless plug: One of my trip reports is included and is on page 108 and the title page on Cancun features my personal reflections!

Playa Del Carmen, Tulum & the Riviera Maya (a complete guide).
Written by Joshua Eden Hinsdale, this book is part of the Great Destinations Series and is well researched, well written, and contains a forward by Sammy Hagar.
I am honored to be included in this very popular Travel Guide. My ramblings take up the entire page number 221, by the way.

Cancun Information from Lonely Planet
Extensive educational informative Cancun Site that is fascinating to explore.

Cancun Information Page
Cancun informative, message board, photos and more from Johann and Sandra.

Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville
"As far away from the real world as you can get in a restaurant. Step inside and you're reminded of swaying palm trees, sea adventures, and beautiful beaches." Kewl clothes for sale, too.

CoCo Bongo House of Rock & Pop
The coolest club in Cancun!
Hi-tech sound system, special effects, mega movie screens, multi-level interior, jugglers, and acrobatic aerial acts, make this a most unique experience.

Senor Frog's
World Famoso Senor Frog's home page on the web.

Dady Rock Night Club
Dady Rock and Dady O's Clubs have a cool website done in Shockwave.

La Boom Club and the Bar Tequila Boom
Largest Club in Cancun with incredible lights and laser shows and awesome music!

Xel-Ha Information
A site describing this beautiful natural aquarium.

Xcaret Information
A site describing this beautiful nature park.

Basic Reference Map of Cancun
A very simple Cancun map.

Cafe Cancun
Author Jules Siegel (The Real Mexico) hosts this extensive cultural oasis of a website!

Apple Vacations
Apple Vacations' Information on Cancun.

Tripsurfer
Tami, my travel agent and amiga, is the most awesome travel agent in the world.
She is friendly, patient, courteous, and she can and will save you money!

Carnival Cruise Lines
Explore the magnificent area from a cruise ship.

Marlene and Gordon’s Holiday Photos
Fabulous pictures of the Iberostar Playa Paraiso show the true beauty of the resort

Can-do Maps
Laura a.k.a. MapChick) and Perry's most excellent maps on Cancun, Cozumel, Isla Mujeres, Playa del Carmen, and the Riviera Maya general area. Buy them here risk-free on the honor system!

Cancun Calendars
Laura (MapChick) and Perry have created a beautiful 12 month wall calendar with pictures of Cancun, Cozumel, Isla Mujeres and the Riviera Maya. Buy one here on the honor system!

Cancun Airport Pointers
Laura (the original MapChick) and hubby Perry's informative page on Cancun Airport Procedures.

Cancun Valet
Grocery delivery and equipment rental in Cancun.
It's a great idea! They rent DVD players and boogie boards, sell food, booze and 300 other items.

Planning Checklist for U.S. Travelers to Cancun
Another Great Site from Laura (MapChick) and Perry.

Debbie's Caribbean Page
Spanish words and phrases, and how to say them.

USA Today Travel Guide
Stories about Cancun from USA Today, AP, and other sources.

Cancun Currency Converter
This is a very simple to use accurate converter for dollars to pesos. All countries are represented here.

Travel Yucatan Packing List
An incredible packing list that doesn't miss a thing. Check off what you want and print it out.

Debbie's Caribbean Resort Reviews
Travel Reviews from Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and the Mayan Riviera.

Ron's All-Inclusive Ratings
Reviews from Cancun to Tulum!

Cancun WebCam
This is a real-time Cancun Cam that updates every 60 seconds.

Mexico - Consular Information Sheet
Everything you want to know about traveling to, or in Mexico.
Entry requirements, health warnings, etc.

Current State Department Travel Warnings
An important site to visit before your departure. These are issued by The State Department when needed.

Online Travel Publications from The State Department
An incredible, extensive list for travelers.

Cancun Weather from Rain or Shine
A good place to get weather information for the area.

Cancun Weather from USA Today
Another good place to get weather information.

Cancun Weather Almanac from USA Today
Weather averages to help you predict weather probabilities in Cancun.

Playa del Carmen Weather
An excellent Playa del Carmen weather and 10 day forecasts.