Bob/Mike, interested to read all your posts about the hotels/excursions etc - fingers crossed it will all be fine.

But noted from Mike's post that he is going to sort out currency in the New Year - I was thinking of just taking lots of dollars and then exchanging, as needed, when we got there (would also have debit and credit cards). But should I be thinking of getting whatever is currency in Belize, Guatemala and Mexico in January? Never been to Mexico (except for the bit just over the California border) or Central American before so no feel for the best thing to do.

Katy

PS. I'm booked into the Premier Inn at the airport the night before.

Update; just seen Bob's post re currency, looks as if dollars will work fine.

K

Hi Katy

Intersting to note from Bob about the Euro and i may well take some of these as well as dollars. For your info Guatemala is a closed currency therefore dollars can be exchanged when in the Country but be mindful that to much isn't changed as the Guatemalan currency won't be any use in Belize. Belize has its own currency but they are happy to accept US dollars.

All the best

Alan

Hi Alan, thanks for the information. From what you say dollars are the way to go, pity about the current poor rate of exchange. So just in Guatemala that we have to be careful re currency options.

Regards

Katy

Many thanks for this info.

Best wishes,

Bob

Bob/Mike, interested to read all your posts about the hotels/excursions etc - fingers crossed it will all be fine.

But noted from Mike's post that he is going to sort out currency in the New Year - I was thinking of just taking lots of dollars and then exchanging, as needed, when we got there (would also have debit and credit cards). But should I be thinking of getting whatever is currency in Belize, Guatemala and Mexico in January? Never been to Mexico (except for the bit just over the California border) or Central American before so no feel for the best thing to do.

Katy

PS. I'm booked into the Premier Inn at the airport the night before.

Update; just seen Bob's post re currency, looks as if dollars will work fine.

K

Hi Katy

Intersting to note from Bob about the Euro and i may well take some of these as well as dollars. For your info Guatemala is a closed currency therefore dollars can be exchanged when in the Country but be mindful that to much isn't changed as the Guatemalan currency won't be any use in Belize. Belize has its own currency but they are happy to accept US dollars.

All the best

Alan

Happy New Year! There are 22 people booked on the main tour, of these 9 people are doing the add-on.

Kindest regards,

Monty

Could you give us an update please on the numbers for this holiday, both the main tour and also the extension please.

Thanks you and Happy New Year.

Sally

But noted from Mike's post that he is going to sort out currency in the New Year - I was thinking of just taking lots of dollars and then exchanging, as needed, when we got there (would also have debit and credit cards). But should I be thinking of getting whatever is currency in Belize, Guatemala and Mexico in January? Never been to Mexico (except for the bit just over the California border) or Central American before so no feel for the best thing to do.

Katy

PS. I'm booked into the Premier Inn at the airport the night before.

Update; just seen Bob's post re currency, looks as if dollars will work fine.

K

See you at the airport!

Bob

That's good news about the Iberostar Tucan hotel.

Regarding the excursions; being a regular swimmer, I'm interested in snorkelling at either Hoi Chan or Cozumel Island. I don't think I'll do the full day at the Eco Park. There was also a mention in the original itinerary of swimming in 'Shark-Ray Alley' whilst in Caye Caulker (now San Pedro!!) which might be interesting!

Anyway, being as all excursions are bookable in resort, I don't think that I'll book anything before I go. On this occasion I'd rather take some extra dollars and see how things pan out.

The Crowne Plaza is about 6 miles from the Cambridge Hotel according to my information, so I'll probably see you on the morning of departure. I've not been to Gatwick for many years so I don't fancy trying to find my way in the evening around an area that I don't know well.

The holiday is fast approaching now; I'll be off to organise some currency early in the New Year.

All the best

Mike

I'm staying at the Cambridge Hotel at Gatwick (never been there before, booked for me by JY). My flight gets in at 18.20 so I reckon I won't get to the hotel before 7pm. I'll go for a bite to eat pretty much straight away as I don't like eating late at night - there is a restaurant in the hotel so I'll probably eat there. I've just looked at the menu and it sounds very good! I don't know how far the Crown Plaza is from there - if it is within walking distance you'd be very welcome to join me!

Best wishes,

Bob

PS I nearly didn't see your post as it wasn't highlighted in bold as having new posts and I didn't get an email notification!

Yes, despite my misgivings, I did pay the final balance. I still have concerns about the tour and the way that the arrangements have been handled but, like you, I'm hoping for the best. Unfortunately I don't think that is how we should have to approach a holiday; rather we should have complete confidence in JY and their agents which on this occasion is somewhat lacking.

By the way, I've tried to keep abreast of the progress of restorations at the Iberostar Tucan hotel in Playa del Carmen. Apparently renovations began around mid October shortly after the fire, and the official line as far as I can establish is still that the hotel will re-open mid December. You may recall that I did ask JY, through the forum, if they could provide an update on this but my question remains unanswered. Having said that I'll apologise straight off if I've missed it.

I'll be staying at the Crowne Plaza hotel the night before departure, so if you're flying in the day before I'd be very pleased to meet you for a meal in the evening.

All the best and have a great Christmas.

Cheers

Mike