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All-Inclusive Cozumel

© Kerri Wood

I can only stay away from the beach for so long. Last April, I was ready for some beach time and also ready to get my Open Water Diver’s certificate. I was on a budget and didn’t want to spend more than $500 for the plane ticket and the room combined. My scuba buddy and boyfriend, James, was ready for a vacation too, but was also on a tight budget.

Even though we were newby divers, we both had heard that Cozumel, Mexico was considered one of the best diving spots on the planet. Cozumel is Mexico’s largest inhabited island, lying 12 miles off the Yucatan Peninsula. The waters surrounding the island are known for 150-ft visibility—which is awesome compared to your local lake in the Midwest. The interior of the island is covered in deep jungle foliage, yet the islands only town, San Miguel, welcomes tourists to its beaches and hotspots.

Amazingly, my search for cheap tickets didn’t take long. I visited www.travelzoo.com and found round trip tickets from Dallas to Cozumel, including 4-nights at the Costa Club, for $345 per person. I searched some of the other travel sites (expedia.com, travelocity.com, priceline.com, etc) but the package with AllAboutTravel on http://www.travelzoo.com was the most economical.

I called and found out that the trip was also all-inclusive. All our meals and all our drinks were also covered in the price! Hmmm....but it made me skeptical. Would I be charged extra at the end of the trip? Could I eat too much and go over my limit? But, I am also very impatient....so I bought them.

It was the right decision. We were picked up by hotel shuttle at Cozumel’s Merida International Airport. The Costa Club was way behind our expectations. It boasts the largest pool on the island and spacious, tiled floor rooms, with balconies. Visit the website at http://www.costaclubcozumel.com.

The food wasn’t the best on the island, but there was plenty of it. The buffet style dining room always had a good selection, but the best way to go is to grab snacks from the outdoor beach club. Layout, or grab your snorkel gear. When you’re hungry order a plate of chicken quesadillas and a pina colada and relax on the beach. The best part of an all-inclusive package is the money you will save, instead of spending $15 somewhere else every time you’re hungry.

Diving and snorkeling are a big draw in Cozumel, but there are plenty of other things to do. There are stores for shopaholics and a variety of nightclubs and bars for party seekers. For a packed, rowdy, shot drinking time, visit Carlos and Charlie's at night. The restaurant is also a great place to grab a bite to eat while shopping in town during the day. Print off a coupon at http://www.carlosn-charlies.com/flash/in...