Christmas day travel questions

[rbwave]

First, I want to say - I love this forum!! :D I initially came to get some assistance with a place to stay for my first trip to Tulum, but I’ve been lurking ever since to get some ideas for my trip. All of the suggestions and recent trip reports are making me so excited – 11 days until we’re in Mexico, 18 until we’re in Tulum!!

I have a couple questions about transportation that I’m hoping someone might be able to help me with. We’re in Tulum until Dec. 25. We’re staying at a hotel close to Cancun airport that night as we have an early flight out on Dec. 26. I’ve looked at the bus site just to check schedules and there is an ADO bus that leaves at noon and one at 7:30 (direct to Cancun). I’m thinking that on our last day (and Christmas day at that) we’ll want to spend as much time relaxing on the beach as opposed to riding a bus to get to an airport hotel. So, I’m thinking about the 7:30 departure. One question is what to do with our bags. I’ve sent an email to Nueva Vida just to see if they have a storage locker/area or somewhere that we would be able to keep them until later in the afternoon. If that’s not possible I was wondering about storage lockers at the bus station. Is there any kind of storage there that anyone knows about? Also, should I buy the tickets online before I go? Because this is the last ADO departure and it’s a holiday I’m wondering if it’s better to just play it safe and have this plan secured. What do you think?

Thanks ahead of time for any suggestions. This board is really helpful for newbies.

[minniemex]

My first thought would be to buy the tickets first thing you get down there.

[lazydog]

I agree with Minnies idea to buy the tickets when you first get into Mexico on your way down to Tulum. I can't imagine that NV wouldn't let you store your stuff for the day while you hung out. What a great Christmas day....hanging on the beach in Tulum!

[minniemex]

I forgot about the storage question. I agree that Nueva would store your luggage.

[Margoinmexico]

:wave:Another Lurker out of the closet! Wonder how many are left?!

There is a way to store your stuff at the bus station, no lockers, but you get a reciept from the candy desk and they just keep it back there....and pay by the hour.

I too would buy it on line and make sure you get there early.....

[minniemex]

Margo ~ hi!!

Ok, are you saying that buying online is a safe way to buy the tickets? Just double checking. Not a question we get everyday.

[Margoinmexico]

:wave:I really don{t know, have never done it, but worse case scenario what if the box office was closed for the holiday, but the bus was there.....is all that I was thinking.....:confused:

[rbwave]

Thanks for the info. :) This place is just a wealth of knowledge!! I've been thinking the same as minnie and lazydog that it shouldn't be a problem to leave stuff at Nueva, but it's nice to know that there's a back up plan for storage at the bus station (thanks for that info margo).

As for buying the ticket, I haven't decided about that yet. I haven't heard much about people buying tickets on-line. I'm just not sure if Christmas day will be a busy travel day or if people tend to stay home on that day. So, part of me was thinking it might be better to have that ticket in my hand, so I don't end up with Margo's scenario of seeing the bus but not being able to get on. I'll be in Playa before heading to Tulum. Can I buy a ticket from Tulum to Cancun from the Playa bus station? My Spanish is unfortunately quite limited, so I'm not sure if this might be an issue.

The one thing I do know for sure - I am looking forward to Christmas day on the beach!!

[Steve O]

Here is the storage area in the Tulum bus station but I don't think you will have to use it. Your hotel shouldn't have a problem with you keeping your luggage there.


http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b149/fypons/2009/P3230895-1.jpg


I personally wouldn't purchase a bus ticket ahead of time. The tickets are only good for the date and time printed on them. If either of those change you will probably have to buy a new ticket. What if the weather is bad and you can't spend time on the beach? Maybe you would want to leave earlier to get to your hotel.

The bus station will be open. You can also pay for your ticket on the bus.

[rbwave]

Thanks Steve O. That's good to know. I noticed that there is a reduced schedule for that day. Is there any possibilty of all buses being sold out? Worst case scenario, I'm guessing we could get a cab to take us to Cancun. But, I'm guessing it wouldn't be too cheap!! :eek:

[Steve O]

Christmas day is usually pretty quiet. Most people that are traveling should already be where they were going. Easter is more of a traveling time. I don't think you have to worry about the bus being full or sold out.

[rbwave]

Thanks again Steve O. I definitely like the idea of not commiting myself to a schedule and being able to play things by ear!! I also just heard from our hotel and not only will they keep our luggage for the day, they have an extra shower and bathroom that we can use!! :eat-drink: