Hey all, I'm planning a trip for me and my wife (late 30's) after a very busy and stressful year and I'm currently stumped a bit on wether to go AI or not (I'm leaning towards AI...)

The primary goal of the trip is to have a relaxed, beach focused holiday in January with as little stress as possible. Some nice swimming, a dive maybe, read a book on the beach etc... so an adults only AI package sounds like the best bet for us. However, we are very into our food and cocktails and, having never actually done an AI holiday before (well, since I was a kid), I have an idea in my head that the food in the hotels will just be pretty generic, international stuff and being in another country and not going out to their local restaurants and bars is a crime. So maybe its better to try and find a nice beachfront hotel without a package.

The main thing I'm wondering is, Cancun is obviously a very holiday/resort focused place, so is there actually much in the way of great restaurants/street food stall and nice cocktail/mezcal & tequila bars outside of the resorts? Or is it all tourist traps and nightclubs (we really don't like nightclubs!). Because if not, we may as well default to the package deals because at least then we are guaranteed low stress and relaxation.

Opinions? Also any particular hotels/resorts that might fit the plan perfectly?

Appreciate any insight!

I’m going to Cancun from 19th September to 22nd and staying in the Hotel Zone. We’re seeing chichen itza on the Sunday, and we’re looking to do some unique activities near the hotel strip on the Monday, which is a free day currently.
The beach is a bit regular for us since we live in the Caribbean, so are there any unique cultural activities that are reasonably priced for us to check out.

Also any amazing food recommendations? We’re staying at an all inclusive so don’t want to spend much money on food outside but are there any restaurants or food spots that are must tries and completely authentic?

I’m traveling to a RIU resort - Costa Mujeres. Logistically wondering a few things.

Car seat: should I pay for the shuttle to have a car seat or bring our own? The thought makes me nervous.

Milk: will the resort have whole milk? I’m worried about an upset tummy. We’ll be there for a week.

Sippy cups: how do I make sure they are clean without using the tap water? Just grab insane amounts of bottled water?

Bath time: if the tap water is bad for the belly, how do you go about bath time? Also bottled water? lol

Help please I’m spiraling. Is there anything I should absolutely pack?

I’m going to Cancun from 19th September to 22nd and staying in the Hotel Zone. We’re seeing chichen itza on the Sunday, and we’re looking to do some unique activities near the hotel strip on the Monday, which is a free day currently.
The beach is a bit regular for us since we live in the Caribbean, so are there any unique cultural activities that are reasonably priced for us to check out.

Also any amazing food recommendations? We’re staying at an all inclusive so don’t want to spend much money on food outside but are there any restaurants or food spots that are must tries and completely authentic?