Whether by plane, bus or taxi, getting to and around Cancun, Mexico is an exercise of the adventurous spirit. To help smooth out your travel through the city, take note of the following transportation suggestions as you travel around Cancun:

Unless your wallet overfloweth, you'll probably want to avoid Cancun's peak season: from December to April the cost of airfare and hotel accommodations soar, only to fall prey to sweet gravity during the summer and fall. Go for Late April and May if you'd like to catch cheaper flights to Cancn International Airport (CUN).

Cancun, Mexico's tourist zone is a planned tourist city. It's safe, walkable and stocked with a variety of options for dining/entertainment. It also harbors a main bus station right in the area for public transportation.

Taking the bus to venture beyond The Tourist Zone? Cancun's 24/7 bus service is the cheapest route to your destinations, costing only 6 pesos (59 cents USD). Divas need not apply; perks such as air conditioning and seat cushions are non-existent. But, along with real people, you'll be introduced to a few unique characters, including occasional musicians who perform for their fellow riders.

Taxis are abundant, but be aware that the rates are higher if you catch a cab in front of the hotel, because certain hotels get a portion of the taxi's fare. Instead, go to the street and flag down your cab from there. Ask the taxi driver what the fare will be up-front; in Mexico, the number of "zones" you pass through predetermines taxi rates. Check the front desk to see if your hotel lists standard taxi rates.

If four wheels bore you, check out Eagle Riders in Cancun. From there you can rent your long-lost Harley Davidson motorcycle to rip up and down Cancun's coast.

Lastly, and this is placed last on purpose, is the option to rent a car. If you do, be aware that you are a tourist, so there is a huge sign on the back of all your clothes that reads, "Sucker." That said, you can rent a car at the airport from all the major companies represented there: Alamo, Avis, Budget, Executive, Hertz, National and Thrifty.

Caution is the key word, here. Here are a few tips:

- you will be charged for any damage not noted during your initial review. Assess your car rental thoroughly.
- those craters in the road are actually considered potholes, and they will tear up your little rental and add to your costs. This is one of many good reasons to avoid driving around this unfamiliar city at night.
- bring extra cash with you; tourists are often pulled over arbitrarily by Mexico's traffic police. But, don't worry, the officer's outstretched hand is your ticket (so to speak) out of trouble - once you weigh it down with a monetary gift.

Understanding how to safely, economically travel within and beyond Cancun, Mexico's tourist zone will add more spice and flavor to your vacation without adding frustrating surprises.

Learn more about this author, Quo Elbert.
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