If you are an R&B music fan and have booked your vacation to the Riviera Maya over Memorial Day weekend then you are in luck!

On the evening of Saturday May 29th, internationally renowned musical artists Phil Perry and Brian McKnight will perform a FREE concert at Mamitas Beach Club in Playa del Carmen. The concert is presented by the Riviera Maya Jazz Festival, which is held annually in November.

Renowned Mexican jazz singer, Caro Montes will open the concert with the debut of her first solo project. Phil Perry, R&B singer, songwriter and musician, will perform next. Perry is famous for the number one R&B hit, “Call Me,” as well as other top 40 R&B singles “Amazing Love” and “Forever.” Finally, Brian McKnight, a platinum recording artist who has sold more than 20 million albums worldwide, will finish out the show.

Souvenir shopping should be fun, but it is easy to be flustered by not knowing what to buy for yourself or for your friends and family. Well, if you are vacationing in Mexico’s Riviera Maya here are some souvenir ideas that are unique and sure to be appreciated.

T-shirts, shot glasses, pens and snow globes are abundant in souvenir shops throughout the Riviera Maya, but if you are looking for high quality, memorable gifts consider purchasing some of the local hand crafts. These gifts will bring the local flare home and are still reasonable in price. Mexico is known for quality pottery pieces, silver work, and textiles. Pick up a piece of collectable Talavera tile with its iconic blue and white patterns. Consider buying a necklace, charm or ring in silver but make sure it has the .925 stamp that indicates it is true sterling silver. Spice up your house with a hand woven rug or blanket or reflect your travels in your wardrobe with a traditionally embroidered sash, shawl, blouse, or dress.

What ever you decide to buy to commemorate your trip, make sure you come home with fond memories in your heart.

The Riviera Maya has an activity for everyone—culture and sightseeing, world-class water activities, adventure tours, shopping and exciting nightlife.  The difficult part is choosing which excursion is right for you.

For the archaeologist at heart: If you want to experience the culture of the ancient Mayans, the Riviera Maya is a perfect launching point for extraordinary visits to nearby Mayan sites like Chichen Itza, Tulum and Coba. Each of these famous archaeological gems offers eye-opening opportunities to step back in time and learn more about these ancient people.

For the Jacques Cousteau wannabe:  Just a ¼ mile of shore is the world’s second longest barrier reef—making the Riviera Maya the perfect place to snorkel and scuba dive.  Here is a link to some of the many fish you may see. You might even have the opportunity to snorkel with the largest fish in the world, a whale shark.

For the thrill seeker: The tropical setting of the Riviera Maya offers guests to this area a chance for adventure.  Don’t miss the opportunity to explore underground rivers & caves, rappel into mysterious cenotes, fly across jungle treetops on a zip-line course or hop on a 4×4 ATV for some off-road fun!

For the shopaholic: All along the Mayan Riviera you’ll find plenty of places to shop. You’ll come across everything from modern shopping malls to traditional & colorful markets, where you can buy handcrafts, imitation stone figurines of Mayan gods, hammocks, t-shirts, ceramics, woodcarvings and more.

For the night owl: If you are looking for a nighttime adventure, the Riviera Maya offers romantic sunset dinner cruises or Caribbean-themed cruises, which sail to private beach parties where you can dance the night away.

*Photo courtesy of the Mexico Tourist Board

Surrounded on three sides by water—a lagoon, a bay and the sea, this little fishing town has become a worldwide vacation destination. You’ll find some of the world’s best beaches minutes away from a subtropical jungle that is perfect for adventurous excursions. Cancun’s Hotel Zone features street markets where you can find local handmade crafts and exclusive boutiques selling the latest fashions. Cancun also has an array of dining choices will that entice every palate, ranging from local specialties to five star restaurants.

Even with the vast array of daytime activities, the nightlife is still what draws people to Cancun. The city’s all-night discos, live music, piano bars and jazz clubs accommodate more than just spring breakers. If the bar and club scene aren’t your idea of a fun evening, there’s always a nice moonlit stroll on the beach to cap off a wonderful dinner.

Just a quick taxi ride from the Riviera Maya, Cancun is the perfect day or night trip for those vacationers wanting just a peek at the hustle and bustle—preferring the secluded retreat of the Riviera Maya.

Information courtesy of:

•    http://www.iexplore.com/cityguides/Mexico/Cancun/Overview
•    http://travel.aol.com/travel-guide/Cancun–Mexico:291-overview
•    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cancun

Playa del Carmen is located on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, about 40 miles south of Cancun. Originally, a rest stop of sorts for travelers making their way from the great cities of the Mayan world to the island of Cozumel, this once sleepy fishing village has retained its small-town charm. Buildings are low-rise, and the atmosphere is still authentic, but it houses world-class shopping and an entertaining nightlife.

Fifth Avenue is the town’s main pedestrian center where you will find stores selling handmade crafts and jewelry, as well as big name chains and local restaurants. There are clothing stores selling the latest trends from Europe next to vendors dishing out Cuban cigars and local rum. It is a vibrant atmosphere reminiscent of a carnival featuring fire breathers, giant boa constrictors and a cavalcade of characters parading.

For those looking to uncover a bit of authentic Mexico, it is definitely worth the quick taxi ride.

Information courtesy of:
• http://www.playa.info/
• http://www.tripadvisor.com
• http://www.scribd.com/doc/12702405/Yucatan-Travel-Adventures
• http://www.frommers.com/destinations/playadelcarmen/0942010001.html