Mexico Budget Trip

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by LCF

Some of the cave instructors are making more per hour than I make as an ER doc. Of course, I work under less stress . . .

---

And they can't hear anyone whining underwater!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by oside jimc

Bil's rooms are $70 or $80 (+4% for maid service), they are air conditioned and include high speed internet, and easy walking to downtown Tulum for dinner and a cold beer.

Guiding is $210/day for a single diver and includes tanks, air, and transport to sites.

IMO a good deal since you can get away without a rental car

---

Given that the "maids" may steal you blind, probably better to make your own bed..

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by BobK

Given that the "maids" may steal you blind, probably better to make your own bed..

---

Sad but true. I had a small backup light dissappear from my room last week.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by FW

Sad but true. I had a small backup light dissappear from my room last week.

---

I lock up everything while in Mexico. Granted it's locked in my luggage, but at least it's somewhat secure....random casual thieves would not bother. On the other hand, if a serious thief really thought there was value in my bag they'd take the whole bag.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by BobK

Given that the "maids" may steal you blind, probably better to make your own bed..

---

Would that strategy (ie. "not selecting" maid service) truly be effective in this case? After all, doesn't the housekeeping staff have "master keys/cards?" If the objective is to rip you off, would it matter if you selected maid service or not?

I ask in good faith, as security is a concern and one thing which has me a little apprehensive of Mexico hotels/dive sites.... certainly something I'd like to rid myself of soon as I eventually want to dive them...:)

Here's a great baterry operated covert camera that is excellant in low-light conditions (.006lux) - It retails for $399 - I can get 20 pts off usually... figure 6fps for 8 hours -on motion.

http://www.kjbsecurity.com/covert-vi...ecluse/416.htm

What if they steal the $400 camera?

--perhaps they'll leave a couple tissues.

I've done quite a few trips to MX so far, and I have yet to have anything go walkabout. A friend had someone take his DIN caps out of his crate while he was diving (and the thief was a diver, because he left some cheap push-on ones in their place). I take normal precautions (don't leave anything valuable in the car, don't leave anything you wouldn't mind losing sitting out). I also don't try to stay in the absolute cheapest lodging I can find. I also take the time to speak to the local people at the sites, and if there is a guard, I tip him.

colin, there's a great thread on dive matrix about diving caves in mexico - go give it a read, too. it's not necessarily about the 'inexpensive', but has excellent tips.