Greg Benchwick: Hi Mexico bound,

Happy to hear that you bought the new Mexico book. I contributed to the Yucatan section, and also penned the separate Cancun, Cozumel and Yucatan book. If you are just traveling in the Yucatan region, I would suggest looking for the smaller regional guide. It will have about 200 more pages of information on the region. It also focuses less on budget travelers (though that's included too) and more on midrange travelers.

Happy Travels,
Greg

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Grand Prairie, Tex.: Visited the Mayan Riviera, Merida and Campeche this past January, after not having visited for about five years and was shocked by the changes! So much construction, mainly of giant resorts or condos! Roads to formerly secluded beaches now blocked by massive resort gates (or construction of same). Tourism up greatly and so were prices—which I could accept, but it seemed that glitzy "international" establishments are replacing the more authentic regional places I enjoy. Am I overreacting? How can the independent traveler of moderate means find an interesting and satisfying more local experience? Thank you.

Greg Benchwick: Hello Looking for an Authentic Experience,

Yes, it's become tough these days. And it can be quite sad to see so many resorts going up along these pristine stretches of beach. But the good thing about the Yucatan Peninsula is that it's a big, big place. In the middle of the Peninsula, you'll find "authentic" towns like Oxkutzcab, Santa Rosa and Ticul. One of my favorite off-beat trips is in the state of Yucatan. From the small town of Ticul, you can visit five Maya ruins along the Ruta Puuc. Most of the ruins are relatively small, but you're likely to have them all to yourself. The trip, which you can do in a day, ends in Uxmal, which is a massive site, complete with its own ostentatious sound-and-light show.

Along the Quintana Roo coast (that's the Caribbean Coast), the further south you get, the less development you'll see.

Xcalak is a small town found on the coast here. It's a bit difficult to get there—it's best to take a car—but you'll have the place pretty much to yourself.

Another key to finding authentic experiences is learning the language. With a bit of Spanish, you'll definitely get to dive a bit deeper into the rich cultural tapestry of this region.

Keep traveling responsibly. I love to hear people looking for these types of experience.

Happy Travels,
Greg

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Sarver, Pa.: Where is the best snorkeling, with the healthiest coral and lots of tropical fish in the Cancun/Riviera Maya area? The last time we snorkeled in Yalku Lagoon, 5 years ago, we were disappointed in the condition of the coral and dearth of fishes. Our trip is from March 14-21, 2009 and we will be staying at the Westin Resort.

Greg Benchwick: Yes, these reefs have taken a severe beating in recent years. First Wilma than Dean did some serious damage to the reef ecology. But it's important to keep in mind that hurricanes are an integral part of reef ecology.

The Reserva de la Biosfera Banco Chinchorro may be a good bet. Reached from Mahahual or Xcalak, this reef may have sustained some damage at the hands of Dean, but last I heard there were plenty of fish there.

Buen Viaje,
Greg

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San Clemente, Calif.: What is the best place to go if you want to live in a hutch on the beach without tons of people? Also, thebest all-inclusive places? Would like to travel November or December and have three kids.

Greg Benchwick: Hello Castaway,

There are several good beach hutches along the coast. Tulum is certainly the most famous spot, with tons a spots along the beach and basic to high-end beach huts. Off the beaten track is Isla Holbox. There's some great beachfront cabanas here. The water is not as crystal clear as that of the Caribbean, but you get more of the place to yourself, and during certain times of the year, you might even get to snorkel with a whale shark!!

Have a great trip.

All the best,
Greg

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Greg Benchwick: Hi all,

Well, unfortunately our time is up. Thanks for all your amazing questions. It sounds like most of you are headed off on some amazing adventures. As you hit the road, please keep in mind the impact your travel may have on the culture and environment of the Yucatan. By following a simple "leave no trace" ethos, we can all contribute to a more sustainable future for tourism.

And, as for me, I'll continue writing my books, running my websites soundtraveler.com and monjomedia.com, and of course, I'll keep traveling. The latest edition of Lonely Planet's Cancun, Cozumel and the Yucatan book should be hitting shelves soon. I authored this guide, and I think that it should answer some of your questions.

But remember, the best adventures are always had by the seat of your pants. So put the guidebook away for a day, or even a week, and head out on your own. From the far-out Maya sites in Campeche, to the underwater wonders of the area's cenotes and amazing reefs, there's adventure to be had in every corner of the Yucatan. Enjoy every minute of it.

Happy Travels,
Greg