LA Escapes Examiner: Spring break in Playa del Carmen, Mexico

When I visited Playa del Carmen for the first time a decade ago, the city was nothing more than a patch of dirt with a few scattered huts next to the ocean. Ten years later, Playa del Carmen is a gorgeous resort town that provides a great alternative to Cancun’s crazy party scene.

Playa del Carmen, located on the Caribbean, is a 30-45 minute drive from Cancun airport that shouldn’t cost you more than $20 a person for a taxi. Playa del Carmen’s climate is warm, humid and tropical with cool and refreshing beach waters. This is a beach vacation, so pack your swimsuit and beach accoutrements.