Picture courtesy of Flickr

For many people, being able to take a vacation in fabulous Cancun, Mexico, is a vacation dream come true. However, most people will need to think carefully about the cost of such a vacation, particularly in the current financial climate where we all have to be more mindful about what we spend.

The good news is that this doesn’t mean that you have to rule out the possibility of a Cancun vacation – you simply need to make sure you take steps to try and get the best deal possible. There are a number of steps you can take to try and cut the cost of your vacation to Cancun, which includes:

• Check the package deals: You can often get some great deals if you go for a package rather than booking your flights and hotel separately, so make sure you check the package deals on offer and see whether you can save money this way. Compare a range of deals, as the cost of the holiday can vary widely

• Consider all inclusive: Of course, the cost of an all inclusive package is going to be more expensive than a half board or bed & breakfast deal. However, you need to think about the whole holiday not just the initial cost. The amount you need to spend on food, drink and entertainment will really bump up the cost of your trip so you may find that an all inclusive package enables you to save money by not having to take as much spending money with you because your food, drink and some entertainment will be included

• Book Online: These days, some of the best bargains are to be had online so go online to look for your bargain holiday or package. You can browse and compare deals with ease when you look online, making it easier to find the most affordable and suitable plan

• Be Flexible: The more flexible you can be with your booking the better your chances of getting a great deal. Be flexible about the dates that you travel, the days you travel, and how long you go for, as all of these can impact upon the cost of your vacation

What tips do you have?

Finding cheap eats in Cancún’s tourist center is easier than you think.  It’s a strange quirk of Cancún’s touristic Hotel Zone that it’s home to very few decent budget restaurants and take-outs. In fact, you can be scouring the streets for hours in the vain hope of finding something both tasty and frugal.

But the good news is that they do exist – you just have to know where to look. So to help you get started, here are just five of our favorites…

Splash!

This laid-back restaurant is set on the waterfront next to Basic Disco nightclub, and it serves up ‘pescadillas’ – deep-fried fish tacos – for just 10 pesos (or 70¢) each. They even cut the price to 7 pesos on special occasions, just in case 10 is too much of a stretch…

Casa Tequila

If you’re after a genuine Mexican restaurant experience but you’re low on funds, try Casa Tequila. Fine Cancún cuisine, friendly service and an extensive list of fruity cocktails make it a real local favorite. Try the luminescent ‘Jumbo Strawberry Margarita’.

Santos Mariscos

Fresh, delicious and affordable: those are three big selling points that make Santos Mariscos’ meals some of the best in Cancún. Famous for its special guacamole, soups and shrimp tacos, you can gorge yourself and pay just 150 to 200 pesos ($11-$14).

El Fish Fritanga

Located right at the southern tip of the Hotel Zone, with a garden setting overlooking the still lagoon, El Fish Fritanga boasts the city’s best seafood for budget diners. You’ll find pescadillas for 12 pesos (85¢), huge seafood cocktails for 100 ($7.20) and more.

Xtabentun

Hidden down an narrow alleyway between the Terrasta Bar and Señor Frog’s nightclub, this easy-to-miss take-out serves up some of Cancún’s finest burritos, with rice and beans on the side, for just 50 pesos ($3.20). Add a beer for just 14 pesos ($1) more!

There are many other budget food options in the Hotel Zone as well – you just have to keep an eye out for them! Or, easier still, follow the locals on their lunch break. Buen provecho!

Photo: thinkstockphotos.com

Photo taken by Vinnie C

A paradise destination basked in golden sunshine, Cancun in Mexico has become a hugely popular tourist destination over the years. Many people flock here to all sorts of reasons, from those looking for unadulterated relaxation to those who want fun in the sun and exciting adventure.

With so much to see, do and experience in Cancun there are countless reasons why people come here to vacation. Whilst there are many reasons to come to this beautiful destination, five of the top ones include:

1. The stunning beaches

Cancun is a place where you will find some truly stunning beaches, which are ideal for those who simply want to soak up the sunshine, take in the azure waters, relax on the power white sands, and enjoy becoming part of the picture postcard scenery and surroundings that you will find on the gorgeous beaches of Cancun

2. Recreational activities in Cancun:

If you are a lover of the great outdoors, you can do everything you enjoy in real style when you come to Cancun. From the refreshing and exhilarating excitement of water activities to boating, horseback riding, golf and safaris, you will find plenty of ways to enjoy some real adventure in Cancun

3. The history of Cancun

Many people love to soak up a little of the local history when they visit a destination. When you visit Cancun you will find evidence of the rich history across much of the area, which includes historical gems such as the El Meco Ruins

4. Family adventures

Cancun is a great place for families to enjoy some excitement and fun, as there are plenty of family attractions and adventures to enjoy here, such as the Dophinaris Cancun or Wet n Wild Cancun

5. The beautiful Cancun weather

Of course, the glorious weather is a huge attraction in Cancun, as it means that no matter which of the above – or other – activities and attractions you decide to enjoy, you can do it all whilst soaking up glorious sunshine and taking in the gorgeous blue skies and tropical climate

Cancun is a fabulous place to visit for a fantastic, luxurious vacation. You can take in the azure waters, soak up the golden sunshine, relax on powder white sands and take in a plethora of entertainment and sights.

Of course, one more thing you can do is relax at your hotel, where you can enjoy stunning views from the balcony, sip cocktails by the pool, enjoy all of the amenities and facilities that your hotel has to offer, and soak up some of the unique Cancun ambiance from your own private balcony.

For many visitors, booking the perfect hotel is a big part of the whole Cancun vacation experience – and, of course, what better way to make your vacation all the more wonderful than to book one of Cancun’s gorgeous five star luxury hotels.

Whilst there are many hotels to choose from in Cancun, below are three of the great five star accommodations that you could find yourself in when you visit this sun-kissed paradise.

ME Cancun Hotel:

This gorgeous luxury hotel enjoys an enviable location right by the beach and offers the most stunning views of the pristine white sands and ocean. You can choose from rooms and suites at this hotel – either way, you will find yourself feeling pampered and relaxed.

There are many facilities here, including an adults only floor, a range of restaurants serving up Mediterranean and Asian cuisine, and even in-room luxuries such as Jacuzzis

 JW Marriott Cancun Resort:

Photo Taken by Curtis Palmer

This award winning hotel and spa offers everything you could want for a luxurious and memorable Cancun vacation. It boasts a stunning beach location, which means that you the powder white sands and turquoise waters are always within easy reach.

Guest rooms offer luxurious amenities ranging from flat screen TVs and sumptuous bedding to private balconies offers breathtaking views.

You can also take in the Mayan inspired spa, which is designed to pamper and revitalize. With a vast array of facilities onsite, including some world class restaurants for superb cuisine, this is the perfect place for a romantic or relaxing break

 The Beloved Hotel Playa Mujeres:

Photo Taken by Brendan Bellt

If you are looking for the convenience and ease of an all inclusive vacation whilst also being surrounding by luxury, this is the place to go.

This all inclusive luxury resort is in the greater Cancun area and offers everything you need for the most luxurious vacation you can imagine.

Not only do you have your food, snacks and drinks available whenever you want them, but you also get to enjoy an extensive spa, exciting outdoor activities, wonderful views of the Caribbean and unrivalled luxury in your guest room

Of course, there are a number of other luxurious hotels and accommodations to choose from in Cancun, so whether you are looking for a luxury hotel that offers the freedom of room only or bed & breakfast or whether you want to indulge and go for all inclusive, you will find the perfect luxury accommodation for your needs.

While many people who come to Cancun are here for the glorious beaches, the stunning scenery and the sizzling sunshine, there is a lot more to this city than just lazy days in beautiful surroundings. Cancun also offers a variety of attractions and entertainment, including plenty of entertainment for families.

Cancun may be popular amongst groups of singles, couples and honeymooners; but it is also a great place for families to enjoy quality time together. Some of the family attractions that you can look forward to experiencing in this area include:

Dolphinaris Cancun

Photo taken by a2gemma

This is an excellent place for the whole family to visit. The kids will love being able to see and interact with the dolphins and you can even enjoy swimming with these beautiful mammals.

This is a place that both kids and adults will enjoy and it even offers educational benefits, as the kids can learn all about the dolphins from the well informed guides.

Bonanza Ranch

Whilst this is more of a place for families with older children, it provides a wonderful morning or afternoon out, enabling you to combine adventure and excitement with the chance to see the natural beauty of the area in a unique way.

You get to enjoy riding on horseback through the jungle and on the beach, where you can take in the sights and take plenty of photos

The Beach

Of course, Cancun is home to some pristine beaches so a fun family day at the beach is the perfect way to soak up the sunshine, enjoy some relaxation, take a dip in the warm azure waters, and let the kids have some fun in the fresh air.

Wet ‘n’ Wild, Cancun

Water parks provide a great opportunity to have family fun in the sizzling hot weather that you get in Cancun. Wet ‘n’ Wild is a fabulous and exciting water park, where you can have fun, cool down, and enjoy some thrilling water rides.

You can even get food included as part of the day out here, so you don’t have to worry about bringing along your own lunch.

Interactive Aquarium

Photo taken by a2gemma

This is an attraction that is both fascinating and educational, making it ideal for kids and adults alike. You get to experience all sorts of sea life from dolphins and sharks to sea urchins.

This is also a place where the kids can interact with the sea life as well as learn more about the different species.

What’s your family’s favorite thing to do in Cancun?

Despite how hectic life can be, it can be equally routine if not a bit boring. Our vacations can also be less than extraordinary when we choose places we are familiar and perhaps a little too comfortable with, so it is sometimes good to do something different and adventurous.

A trip to one of the great beachfront destinations in Mexico is a perfect solution. However, choosing the right location is also a consideration. Should you go to Cancun or Cabo?

Why Choose Cancun?

If you thought about going to Mexico a number of years ago, you might have immediately thought of Acapulco and watching the cliff divers dive off the high cliffs into the sea.

Not something that most would want to do but it challenged the imagination and made many vacation goers choose Acapulco for their first Mexico vacation. While many knew about Acapulco, Cancun quietly emerged on the vacation scene.

Situated on the Southeastern tip of Mexico, in a few years Cancun transformed itself from being a fisherman`s island into a major international tourist destination.

Photo taken by Christine Zenino

Believe it or not, it had a population of just three people as recently as 1970; now it abounds with a bustling population and a number of things to do. Cancun is now the most well known tourist site in Mexico with it soft white beaches and crystal clear Caribbean waters that attract visitors from all over the world.

They also come for the variety of activities ranging from golf to the city’s great night life and, for the history enthusiast, the numerous nearby Mayan archaeological sites. Another great draw for Cancun its warm year-round tropical climate with average annual temperatures of 78 degrees (Fahrenheit).

Why Choose Cabo?

If Acapulco and Cancun have historically been considered the king and queen of Mexican resorts, then there is also now a new heir to the throne to be considered. `Cabo` is the popular term for the Los Cabos region which is located on the West side of Mexico at the tip of the Baja Peninsula, the narrow strip of land South adjoining Southern California.

Less commercialized and populated, Cabo has a more laid back feel than Cancun. With its proximity to California, Cabo began as a secluded getaway for the rich and famous. However, over time, it has become much more accessible and popular with the general public.

One of the unique attributes of Cabo is its width at only 20 miles across and known as the Golden Corridor, you can take a drive along the highway and the sea is almost always visible.

Like Cancun, Cabo offers a number of great activities including a number of world class golf courses from notable designers including Pete Dye and Jack Nicholas. But, if there is one thing Cabo is renown for, it is its incredible marine life.

During the Winter and Spring months, a variety of whale species such as grey, blue and humpback migrate through Cabo’s ocean waters.

You can also be part of seasonal baby sea turtle releases. But Cabo is probably the most well known for its deep sea fishing for Marlin, Tuna, Dorado and a number of other large game fish.

With all the great things to do at both these great tourist destinations which one will you choose… Cancun or Cabo San Lucas?

Cancun is arguably the most renowned Mexican resort area in the world, and for a very good reason. Located on the northeast coast of Quintana Roo in southern Mexico, it offers world-class beaches and exciting nightlife.

There are also many incredible resorts there that have luxurious amenities at fairly reasonable prices. Here’s a list of four Cancun hotels that are definitely worth checking out on your next visit.

Gran Melia Cancun

Photo taken by Rafael Gorski

Modeled after the great Mayan temples, the Gran Melia is a site to behold. The resort offers over 600 meters of beautiful beach line, and is situated between the Caribbean Sea and the Nichupte Lagoon.

It features multiple pools, fine dining, beach side cabanas, a nine-hole golf course and a high rated spa, all while being affordable; you should be able to find a room for under $100 during offseason. Don’t forget to also try a quick internet search to help find coupon codes and discounts to regular pricing. .

Bellevue Beach Paradise All Inclusive

Nestled between the beach and lagoon, the Bellevue Beach Paradise hotel provides an unbelievable view from nearly every room. This beach side resort also has three different restaurants, a poolside bar and a sports bar with billiards. Depending on the season, you can book a room there for around $110.

Oasis Cancun – All Inclusive

Photo taken by Todd MacDonald

The Oasis’  unique pyramid design is a testament to Cancun’s pride in its Mayan heritage. One great thing about the Oasis Cancun is that it’s surrounded by tropical gardens, solariums and recreation areas.

The resort also has nine restaurants, twelve bars and a complimentary nine-hole golf course on the property. Relaxation is easy at the Oasis. You can travel from pool to pool via a series of small waterfalls, or just lay out by the water in one of four separate hammock areas provided.

Fiesta Americana Grand Coral Beach Cancun Resort and Spa

One thing you notice with beach resorts is that they can often end up with really long names. Perhaps the reason is that they are trying to fit in as much information about their services as possible. If that is the case, then the Fiesta Americana Grand Coral Beach Cancun Resort and Spa is incomplete because there is way more to do there than the name entails.

Across from the Cancun Convention Center, the resort is designed to give visitors a more authentic cultural experience. Hints of this can be seen in the music performances at the hotel, which range from mariachi to folkloric ballets as well as in the choices of local ingredients used in their restaurant menus.

The Fiesta Americana also offers complimentary access to a beautiful eighteen-hole golf course, the (Pok-Ta-Pok Gulf Club), which is only two kilometers from the resort.

A trip to Cancun can be a really great experience. To save money, try going during the off-season. Thinking in advance about what it is you want from your hotel or resort is also a good idea, because some have limited all-inclusive amenities while others may have more features but are pay as you go.

Photo provided by ItsVernon

Before going on a vacation in a foreign country, it is often a good idea to ask yourself some basic questions to help you prepare for your trip. This also applies if you are thinking about driving rather than be shuttled about while on your trip.

When visiting a new destination such as Cancun, hiring a car is a great idea and it means that you can explore all the main tourist attractions as well as get off the beaten track. You can enjoy the real feel of a country, whether in a Used Toyota or a four by four. But it is always a good idea to do some homework on driving in the country you are visiting.

What Should I Consider as I Plan My Driving Route in Cancun?

If you are thinking of hiring a car when visiting Cancun in Mexico, there are some key factors you need to think about.

For a start, make sure that you have a good road map and think carefully when planning your route.

Also, keep in mind that there are two types of roads in Mexico:

• The ‘libre’ or free roads are what they seem in that they are free to use but the condition of the roads may not be that good. They will be slower as they will tend to pass through many villages and small towns.
• The privately owned toll or ‘cuota’ roads are prevalent in Mexico. These can be quite expensive but are faster for traveling longer distances than the free roads.

Will I Find Unique Attractions by Driving in Cancun?

There are plenty of interesting tourist attractions in Cancun for you to visit.

For example, the eco-archaeological park, Xcaret is where you can see local wildlife and plants as well as examples of Mayan culture and remains.

There is also the Hidden Worlds Cenote Adventure Park, based on an impressive network of underwater caverns and caves that have been featured in many movies and television series.

Of course, there is also a choice of beaches and with your own car, you can explore some of the less ‘touristy’ areas and try a bit of exploration. As befits a popular tourist destination, you will also find spas, golf courses and shopping centers.

A more unusual destination, perhaps, is the airport, which because of its location makes a good spot for bird watching, particularly in the early morning.

Chichen Itza, a few hours to the west of Cancun, is one of the most well known of the Mayan remains but there are plenty of other ruins to visit, some in Cancun itself but others in more remote locations such as Coba.

Image by Kyle Simourd

Are There Things I Should I be Aware of as I Drive in Cancun?

Be careful when driving in Cancun and keep an eye on what is going on around you.

Don’t necessarily follow other drivers’ lead. Speed limits should be observed and you are best going slightly under.

Toll roads have the benefit of rest stops at the toll stops with bathrooms and snacks available but the downside is that the roads are not always in the best condition. This is continued once you get off the beaten track so take care for potholes and other driving hazards. Driving carefully and slowly is advisable, especially if you want to avoid damaging your car.

It may also be better to avoid driving at night. With few lights and other hazards such as livestock wandering on the roads, it can be more risky at night.

Renting a car can give you a lot of freedom when exploring Cancun but it is always worth taking a little care.

Image by conbon33

There are a few reasons why Cancun is one of the most popular beach destinations, one reason being the amazing views!

When flying to Cancun, I always ask for the window seat, so I can check out my favorite vacation spot from the sky.

Every time I return home from a Cancun vacation and look through my pictures, I realize that most of my pictures are of the scenery.

These are the most impressive views I’ve found in and around Cancun.

1. From Up Above

Image by ramonbaile

before landing on your flight to Cancun, make sure to take a look outside your plane window. Do you see that piece of land shaped like a 7? That’s Cancun!

If weather permits, this is one of the most awesome views of Cancun because you can see all of it. Chances are, you will also see quite a bit of Quintana Roo and Isla Mujeres as well.

If you miss this view for some reason, you can always book a helicopter ride for another bird’s eye view of the peninsula. Although, this experience will be completely different, as a helicopter flies much lower and closer to Cancun.

2. Riu Hotel

The Riu Cancun is the tallest hotel in Cancun, and as a result, has one of the most awesome views of Cancun.

The hotel is shaped like an open book, so many of the rooms have a great view of the beach, but the prime view is in the Annex Building.This building is six stories tall and sits at the top of the Riu Cancun, stationed right over the pool areas.

3. Garrafon Park

Garrafon Park is a natural reef park located 30 minutes away from Cancun on the Isla Mujeres.

The park has a panoramic tower that is 361 feet high and rotates 360 degrees to view all of Isla Mujeres, Cancun, and their beautiful surroundings.

Watching the sunset in this tower is amazing, as the sky and the water change colors all around you as the sun goes down.

4. From the Beach

Image by Ricardo Diaz

No matter where you are flying from, the view of Cancun’s beaches is always beautiful.

You may not be looking at the island of Cancun, but looking out at the crystal clear blue water is, undoubtedly, a breathtaking view.

One of the first things that I do right after I check into my Cancun hotel is go out to the beach and take in the sand, the sky, and the ocean.

Image by Alex Gil

5. Under Water

Image by txdiverdoug

This amazing view of Cancun isn’t of the hotels or the beach; it’s under the water! Cancun has unparalleled marine life, and the water is always the perfect temperature for snorkeling or scuba diving.

Check out things like the underwater museum, coral reefs, and colorful fish under the surface for some of the best underwater views.

Have you seen Cancun from any of these places? What’s your favorite view of Cancun?

Since I am always traveling to Cancun, I always try to find the best deals. In my opinion, vacation packages are the way to go.

A vacation package is  when travel sites bundle airfare and hotel cost into an affordable price.

When I book a vacation packages for Cancun, I know that I am getting the best possible price for the time I book.

Here are some tips I have learned about booking a Cancun package for my vacation:

1. Target your budget

One of the first things to do when deciding whether or not to take a vacation is target your budget.

This is important so that you know your price range, but you should be a little flexible when deciding this, as fifty dollars may be the difference between a standard room and a suite! If you do have a tight budget, consider booking vacation packages with all-inclusive hotels. This way all of your expected expenses are taken care of even before you begin your trip.

2. Shop Around

Don’t stay on one website, and don’t book in the same week you start looking.

Prices for airfare and hotel nights change daily, so it is a good idea to spread out your search through a couple of weeks. www.kayak.com has price tracking alerts, and will send you an email if the price changes.

On www.yapta.com, you can set alerts for certain prices, so if your Cancun package deal gets down to 500$, you are the first to know.

Sometimes a website can throw in a complimentary afternoon of snorkeling, so be sure to look around!

3. Book Early

Even though prices fluctuate daily, it is always best to book early. There are many fees that are involved in booking a package, one being a hefty cancellation fee.

Booking early allows you to plan way ahead of time, and can end up saving you a lot of money. Airfare spikes upwards between one to two weeks of a departure date, but booking a month to a month and a half ahead of time assures you will get a good deal.

4. Make sure it’s legitimate

Be aware of those advertisements that sell Cancun Packages for extremely low prices. These sites are not completely honest about their packages.

For example, they may guarantee flights and hotel, however, your flight is in the middle of the night and your hotel room faces the employee parking. Not to mention, these packages may not include amenities like a complimentary breakfast.

Buy your Cancun vacation package from a well known website or travel agency to ensure that you can take advantage of your travel days and arrive to a beautiful view.

5. Travel during the slow season

It is part of the travel industry to raise prices as demand increases, so if you are looking for a particularly good price, travel during the slow season.

The hotels and the beaches won’t be as crowded, so you may also get a more personalized experience. Late May, early June, and early August and September are good times to travel to Cancun.

If you are unable to travel during these times, that’s okay! Travel sites offer great deals year round.

What was the best vacation package you’ve ever gotten?