Mexico is a great vacation destination if you live in the United States: easy to get to, inexpensive, and sunny. The ancient ruins offer a glimpse into the birth of civilization, and the culture encourages you to eat, drink, and fiesta. While Mexico is a common trip for families, visitors still should remain cautious when choosing excursions outside the hotel. However, with the array of all-inclusive resorts and all-you-can-eat tacos, you may not even want or need to leave the hotel at all!
Here are some tips!!
TIP: Before You Go
Consider if you're going on a crazy spring break style trip with friends or taking a relaxing family vacation. In this article, I focus on more of a family trip. However, for those of you ready for a wild week: there are plenty of hotels in Cancun right on the water and close to the center of town that will provide the atmosphere you're looking for!
Accommodations:
-Pick a hotel you would enjoy spending a lot of time in. Most of your vacation will be relaxing on the beach. You want to feel like you are provided with everything you need at the hotel and that you are safe.
-Treat yourself. A major reason people travel to Mexico is because it is inexpensive. Perhaps upgrade to a 5-star hotel, and enjoy a life of luxury that you might have to compromise on when traveling to more expensive destinations.
TIP: Belmond Maroma Resort and Spa
Through the dense, lush jungle a dirt roads leads to a hidden piece of paradise bordered by a white sand beach and crystal clear ocean. The Belmond Maroma is a stunning resort that offers 63 rooms (some are more like your own personal condo), unbelievable dining, and everything you need to relax and forget about the rest of the world. My first two days as a guest I didn't see any other people aside from the hotel staff. The grounds are so private and architecture so beautifully harmonious with the natural surroundings, it's like you've discovered your own personal ancient ruins...only, with electricity and a group of talented chefs, waiters, athletic trainers, and event coordinators. Just like the Mayans!
Televisions are scarce, encouraging guests to escape the outside world and immerse themselves in tranquility. The resort offers some small activities like a low-key jungle bike tour and yoga. They will assist you in booking excursions outside the resort, as well. And for those days when you want an adults-only adventure, the Belmond provides a children's center with games and offers child care services.
The Belmond Maroma features a few restaurants and bars, all of which offer high-quality cuisine. Your morning will start with fresh tortillas and spicy hot chocolate, followed by some ice cream and margaritas on the beach, perhaps a dinner reservation at El Sol, and will conclude with a private Tequila tasting. Every evening feels like a celebration with hundreds of candles lighting the path to your room for an enchanting late night stroll. Also, be sure to check out the observation tower.
For more information on the Belmond Maroma, visit http://www.belmond.com/maroma-resort-and-spa-riviera-maya/luxury-resort
TIP: Tulum's Mayan Ruins
One of the main things to do while in Mexico is visit an ancient Mayan civilization. Tulum is not too far from Cancun, and the ruins are over 1,000 years old. Tulum was the only Mayan city built on a coast and one of the few to be protected by a wall. Today, tourists can visit and theorize what ended this civilization. Bring your swimsuit because many tourists like to cool off in a semi-hidden beach at the ruins. If you're interested in seeing more ruins, Chichen Itza is said to be the most impressive in Mexico, however, it's a very far drive from Cancun. For more info on the Tulum ruins, visit: http://tulumruins.net
Break up your ride back at the restaurant Ziggy's in Tulum. With delicious food and a hipster vibe, this is a fun, beachfront place to stop for a bite to eat...and maybe a swim!
TIP: Explore the Reef
Cancun hosts the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the second largest barrier reef in the world (the first being Australia's Great Barrier Reef). Book a snorkel or scuba trip, so you can explore this 600 mile reef that is home to 500 species of fish. Speaking of fish, if you prefer eating them over swimming with them, schedule a fishing trip. Should you choose to stay at the Belmond Maroma, the chef will prepare whatever fish you bring back.
TIP: Dolphin Swim
This has become a controversial topic over the past few years, so do some research before booking this excursion. I did choose to participate and enjoyed my time. You are also able to feed manatees lettuce...both strange and disgusting, but certainly a new experience.
Though Cancun has become known as a major spring break destination, it has many activities for all ages. Families and couples can experience a relaxing vacation at a low cost and can focus on what's most important during any vacation: each other.
Thanks for reading! Feel free to ask any questions, and I'll see you next time on 10-Minute Travel Tips!
See video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KTa0n2a73MA
