So, you're planning your Spring Break vacation and considering Cancun! Wise choice! If you're wondering why you'd pick Cancun over some of the other sunny, beachside vacation destinations consider this; Cancun isn't the number one Spring Break Destination for nothing! Of course, there are some obvious comparisons: Tequila (Cancun) vs. Rum Punch (just about any other Spring Break Destination)... that's a no-brainer. No offense to our friend the Rum Punch, but Tequila wins hands down!
What about the hotels, beaches and travel packages? They're pretty great at any of the popular Spring Break hotspots, but Cancun offers over 200 hotels, resorts, bars and restaurants with some of the hottest, hippest most happening beach parties and nightlife on the travel circuit today. Cancun has plenty of swim-up bars, beach parties, water sports, gorgeous beaches and poolside restaurants to enjoy! Some of Cancun's Resorts and Party Packages allow you to party-hop, eat, drink and be merry at a number of resorts - not just the one you're staying at! "I'll have another dirty margarita please!"
But wait, there's more! Cancun is bustling with colorful wildlife and tropical temptations; and I'm not just talking about bikini-clad beachgoers and frosty drinks. Cancun is nestled among a gorgeous tropical forest and coconut grove. Home of the Mayan Ruins, Cancun's ambiance is rich with the culture and beauty of this ancient civilization. And it's surrounded by a 69-mile Coral Reef, the second largest in the world after Australia's Great Barrier Reef. Snorkeling and scuba diving tours will take you to the most amazing underwater world! (I was going to say 'will take your breath away' but realized this is not a pleasant image when referring to under water activities.) And yes, Cancun's beaches are nothing short of sensational with the silkiest, softest, white sand and glistening turquoise water.
Cancun's spring weather is typically warm, tropical and in the 80's. Precipitation is relatively low during the spring season. But there's plenty to do inside during the occasional rain storm. You can hang out under the thatched rooftop of the poolside bar, head to the buffet for an afternoon snicky-snack, bust a move at one of the hopping dance clubs, get a massage or head to your hotel suite for a siesta (sweet)!
When planning your trip, don't just book a hotel and wing it! There are many convenient, money-saving Spring Break packages available. Select a Travel Agent, compare a few different packages and pick the one that will best suit your idea of the best Spring Break ever. These packages take all the guesswork and money worries out of the mix. When you pick a package that includes airfare, hotel, food, drink, tours and activities, you'll only need a few hundred dollars in your pocket for any tours, water sports, restaurants and incidentals that aren't included. Best of all, you won't have to worry about blowing through all your money riding jet skis and doing body shots, then praying that your credit card goes through when it's time to check out of your resort. Hotel Security and the Mexican Militia won't care how much you cry, you still have to pay for your stay! Okay, so the Mexican Militia might not get involved but it pays to plan ahead and get an all-inclusive package. Then you can romp and play with abandon - no worries!
As you may have heard, some tourists have tummy trouble from drinking the water in Cancun. It is true that the tap water is unsafe to drink at some places. Many of the restaurants and resorts, however, have built-in water purifying systems that are stomach-friendly so ask about this when choosing your resort. Remember, if you're partying and drinking alcohol, you'll want to (and need to) re-hydrate with plenty of clean, pure drinking water. If your hotel doesn't have water purification, stock up on bottled water or Mexican mineral water - both are perfectly safe to drink. And keep in mind that many restaurants will serve tap water unless bottled water is specifically requested. You may also want to order your drinks "sin heilo," meaning "without ice" - just to play it safe!
When you're all pumped up with excitement and feeling like a superhero because you're about to fly off to Spring Break, the last thing you need is to be deflated by a silly mistake or oversight! Use your noggin and travel safely. It's important to plan ahead for travel technicalities so you can get through the airport without a strip search (unless you're into that sort of thing) or a heated inquisition by brooding security types. (Those security types could really use a vacation to loosen up.)
First, use common sense and pack smart. No hunting knives, box cutters or baseball bats in your carry-on (just leave all that stuff at home and you won't have to worry about it). If the luggage you're checking has a lock on it, be warned that the airline may cut the lock during the screening process, so you may want to leave it unlocked. If you need to take prescription medications with you, keep it in its original bottle with the prescription label on it. And be sure to check the website of your airline for a list of prohibited items.
Arrive at the airport at least an hour before your flight is scheduled to take off. (This is simple stuff!) If you accessorize with metal or typically carry a lot of metal on your person, be aware that you will be asked to remove it to pass through the metal detector. Another no-brainer; don't be drunk or disorderly at the airport. Don't be rambunctious or make stupid jokes about box cutters or bombs (believe me, it's been done, the results aren't pretty and your parents won't appreciate the phone call from airport security or a prison guard).
Another, all-important consideration when planning your trip: proper ID is required! You definitely need valid photo identification (driver's license), plus a certified copy of your birth certificate or Passport (and your marriage certificate if your name has changed). I recommend getting a Passport. They are so much easier and they dramatically reduce the likelihood of problems at the border. This documentation takes a little time and planning so don't wait until the last minute! Plan ahead for more fun, less hassle!
There's plenty of fun to be had in Cancun! That's why it's the leading Spring Break vacation destination! So talk with your travel buddies about your idea of the best all-inclusive package, pick a travel agent, get the necessary paperwork together and you're off to fun in the sun on the best Spring Break ever! Remember, a little common sense goes a long way, and a lot of tequila makes the sun come up faster - enjoy!
