Cancun is one of the most favorite tourist destinations in Mexico for many different reasons. It is a perfect place for people who are active and fun loving. Thousands of vacationers take Cancun Mexico vacations every year because it is so popular with its nightlife, water adventure sports like scuba diving, snorkeling and parasailing, discos, entertainment bars, shopping malls, and others. The place is almost like a one stop shop as it offers a remarkably wide variety of options to the visitors.

An interesting fact about Cancun is that in the past it used to be just a deserted place. With time, we can’t really tell what happens next.

A vacation to Cancun takes the visitor to some of the most popular places to see. A typical Cancun tour allows you to witness and experience Paradise Island, the well known dancing dolphins in the turquoise blue Caribbean, the Atlantis Submarine, and of course the Mayan ruins. Tours to ecological parks, jungles, or natural reserves are also included to widen the knowledge of the visitors and at the same time to leave them enthralled by these sights and sites.

While it is true that there are thousands of places to go and enjoy some leisure time away from it all, Cancun Mexico vacations are a good idea to give some serious consideration to. With everything the area has to offer you can be assured of a great time.

Ann Lile: All-inclusive resorts will give you the most for your money since most packages will include all meals, drinks, and non-motorized activities available at the resort.

The Colonial Cities of Mexico (including Aguascalientes, Guanajuato, Guadalajara, San Miguel de Allende, Zacatecas and Merida) are also good value, giving the traveler a cultural/historical experience similar to Europe, only at a much better price.

When is the best time of the year to go to Mexico?

Ann: The peak season for traveling to Mexico is December through April,while the low season is from May through November.

The official hurricane season is June to October, which affects primarily the Yucatan Peninsula and Southern Coast. If you’re going to be honeymooning during hurricane season, and can’t take the chance of being visited by a hurricane on your vacation, you might be wise to avoid these regions of the country to be absolutely safe.

Rainy season is May through mid-October. The rainy season is of little consequence in the Northern region of the country while the Southern region typically receives tropical showers in the late afternoon on a daily basis.

Do you have any “hidden gems” of Mexico?

Ann: My personal favorites are the colonial cities of Mexico. These cities offer a tremendous amount of history, culture, architecture, a great climate, and a taste of the real Mexico. Built back in the 1500’s near the silver mines, these cities offer many small, intimate properties for vacationers of all kinds.

Highly recommended places to stay are the Quinta Real properties in Huatulco or Aguascalientes, which will give the traveler an intimate experience that combines the true flavor of Old Mexico with a historical feel.

Compared to Tahiti or Hawaii, what makes Mexico a special destination?

Ann: In addition to having beautiful beaches and various water activities to enjoy like Hawaii and Tahiti, Mexico affords the traveler the opportunity to experience wonderful archaeological sites such as Teotihuacán, Monte Alban, and Palenque. In addition, travelers can explore the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza, Uxmal, and Tulum.

Mexico is also home to many all-inclusive resorts, which provide wonderful value for travelers.

Where do celebrities like to stay?

Ann: As expected, celebrities flock to resorts that offer the ultimate in luxury, comfort, and privacy.

Here is a short list of my personal favorites:

Cancun – Fiesta Americana Grand

Ixtapa – Villa del Sol

Riviera Maya – Paraiso de la Bonita and Maroma

Los Cabos – One and Only Palmilla, Marquis Los Cabos, Hotel Twin Dolphin

Costa Alegre – El Careyes, El Tamarindo, Hotelito Desconocido

Puerto Vallarta – Four Seasons Punta Mita, Grand Velas, or Kevin Costner’s house!

I have been in the travel business for 15yrs, and I am often asked the best times to travel to the Caribbean. My personal opinion is between the end of Thanksgiving thru December 19. The weather is great, the prices (especially this year) are low and the resorts are not crowded.

If you are parents of kids under 6, this could be perfect. However, for those of us who can not take our children out of school, we will have to deal with the extra expense of holiday travel, the long lines and crowded pools. Or do we?

As all of the deals pass my desk, I look for value and pick the best ones to share with my readers. I have NEVER seen prices this low for holidays and winter travel. Holiday travel usually is 3-4 times the regular rates, this year, it is the same or lower. If you still have your travel budget put aside – use it now, take advantage of these deals – because I have never seen rates like these before.

In thinking of family vacations, the first one that comes to mind is Club Med. Last time I was there, we still had to pay for drinks, now it is truly all inclusive – drinks, sports, you name it, it is included in the vacation cost. There are many resorts through out the Caribbean that I can recommend for families, but we will focus on Club Med right now, as their prices are phenomenal for the experience and memories the entire family will come home with.

If you do not feel like reading all of my descriptions – go straight to the deal, the best prices are from now to December 19, however, if you keep clicking, you will also find never before seen prices during the holidays and winter!

The basic deal is: 7 all-inclusive nights for the price of 3, which usually is $793per person ($114 a day).  Book by December 15 for travel between 9/15/08 – 4/25/09.

Kids Clubs:
Baby Zone 4mos -23mos: There is no day care for babies under two; however, when you make your reservation, you will tell them how old your children are so you are given the proper room and amenities. They will set you up in the “baby zone” including crib, changing table and all the comforts of home with a small baby.  Adapted to the nutritional needs of children, the meals are created by a team of specialist chefs from the Baby Restaurant. This Baby Restaurant is located in the Baby Club Med At the Baby Restaurant, the G.O® takes on the entire responsibility of lunch but parents can share this time with their child(ren) if they wish.  Children ages 2-4 can utilize the “Petit Club Med”, this is a parents; dream day care center. There is an additional charge for this day care.

Kids 4-10yrs old “Mini Club Med”: this is where if gets really fun and different! This club and all others are included in the basic price. The children are divided up into their age groups and given a plethora of activities to choose from whether it is learning how to sail, flying trapeze, and crafts are playing in the Kids only pool. The staff is dedicated and will teach the children new skills for sports, circus, crafts, etc..

Tweens & Teens: In my former life as a travel agent – these are the ones who had the most fun at Club Med. The activities are perfect for each age group ranging from water sports, learning how to be a DJ and mix, hip hop dancing, hang out rooms, teen only activities at night. There is even a theatre class where children can perform at the end of the week. These kids have a blast and the beauty is you do not have to worry about them as they are always somewhere on the property and there is always staff around to keep an eye on them.

Club Meds Best for Families that are part of this great deal:
Sandpiper: Located in Florida, a bit North of Palm Beach, easy to get to, but once you are there; you are in complete vacation mode. This Club Med has all the kids clubs from babies to teens. Sandpiper is a great, inexpensive short, family get away. Though you are still in the states, you will completely feel like you are away from it all as you feel that Club Med vibe as soon as you walk in. There are special family rooms, a kids room and an adults room; golf for the adults, five swimming pools and more.

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic: All the rooms are large suite like rooms – with different sizes depending on the family size. Renovated Resort with a long private beach bordered by palm trees. Circus school for the little ones, flying trapeze or fitness for adults. From babies of 4 months (at Baby Club Med® – extra charge) to teens, a club devoted to every age. Relax in the sun by the pool or through massages and treatments at the Club Med Spa (extra charge for spa).

Cancun, Mexico: This used to be a run down Club Med for singles – but not anymore! As the newest upscale discovery resort, Cancun Yucatan offers something decidedly different. Enjoy a free excursion and discovery the wonders of the Yucatan Peninsula with your family.
They offer luxurious Jade Suites, with an exclusive bar, concierge, room service and other upgraded amenities. Let your ‘teens and tweens hang out at their very own clubhouse while you take a cooking class. Enjoy an evening Mini Club MedTM performance, where your 4 year old presents a folklore dance on stage. Discover new cosmopolitan flavors at any of the three innovative restaurants at your own speed—Cancun Yucatan provides gourmet dining to satisfy your cravings at any hour.

Ixtapa, Mexico – On the West side of Mexico, easier to get to if you are in the South West or West Coast, this is the newest of the Club Med family. Facing the Pacific Ocean, an elegant hacienda it is coined as “The happiness of having a taste of everything”. The architecture hacienda style offers a new type of elegance.

In summary, if you want a Island type, but different kind of family get away, where you know the kids will have fun and you will relax and try new sports, take advantage of this sale before all the rates go up again.

Whether it is a 3 day weekend from $250pp or weeks’ vacation, from $350pp, take advantage of these incredible prices – if you add up everything included – you will see the savings!

We have been to Ixtapa, Cabo San Lucas, and Cancun…
Our favorite was Cabo (especiall because of the weather)

We are looking into Puerto Vallarta, Punta Cana, Jamaica, or somewhere else in the Dominican Republic…

St thomas, Aruba, Barbados and Playa Del Carmen have also been suggested…

Please let us know youre experience w/ weather, night light and activities…we are hoping to go in late December…

Also– name nice hotels…not leaning towards All inclusives but if they are over the top..feel free to list them…

Also trying to keep a budget of less than $8000

We fully realize that the costs associated with traveling to our wedding would be cost-prohibitive for some friends and relatives who would otherwise have attended our big day. We realize this and accept it.

There are, however, a few people whose absence we couldn’t possibly sacrifice: Namely, our parents and siblings. Therefore, when we inform them of our decision to have a destination wedding, we want to let them know that, if after examining their finances they come to the conclusion that they cannot afford to attend our wedding, we will pay for their traveling/lodging costs so that they are able to attend.

It’s my understanding that most couples who have a destination wedding do not pay for any guests to come. But we wouldn’t want the inability to afford the trip stand in the way of one of our parents and siblings attending. So my question is… must our offer to pay for our siblings extend to our siblings’ spouses and children? To our sibling’s live-in girfriends/boyfriends?

The only people we feel we have to have at our wedding are are parents and siblings (we’re not close to our siblings-in-laws)… but would it be rude to offer to pay for our sibling and not pay for his/her spouse? Or does it not matter, because we are being gracious enough to pay for our sibling in the first place (a generosity, not a requirement) so we shouldn’t have to pay for their spouse if we choose not to?

Your opinion would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
** I didn’t mean I wouldn’t invite our sibling’s family… of course I would. just meant we are considering only offering to pay for our actual sibling (if they can’t pay for their way.)
** Do you think it would be better to not offer anything as opposed to offer to only pay our sibling’s way? And what about siblings live-in girlfriends/boyfriends?
**No, I can’t “just get married where everyone lives.” My fiance and I come from two different states and opposite sides of the country. Any “hometown wedding” would involve half the people getting in a plane and flying for a 4 hour flight. We figured for that price, we might as well get married in Ixtapa.

We fully realize that the costs associated with traveling to our wedding would be cost-prohibitive for some friends and relatives who would otherwise have attended our big day. We realize this and accept it.

There are, however, a few people whose absence we couldn’t possibly sacrifice: Namely, our parents and siblings. Therefore, when we inform them of our decision to have a destination wedding, we want to let them know that, if after examining their finances they come to the conclusion that they cannot afford to attend our wedding, we will pay for their traveling/lodging costs so that they are able to attend.

It’s my understanding that most couples who have a destination wedding do not pay for any guests to come. But we wouldn’t want the inability to afford the trip stand in the way of one of our parents and siblings attending. So my question is… must our offer to pay for our siblings extend to our siblings’ spouses and children? To our sibling’s live-in girfriends/boyfriends?

The only people we feel we have to have at our wedding are are parents and siblings (we’re not close to our siblings-in-laws)… but would it be rude to offer to pay for our sibling and not pay for his/her spouse? Or does it not matter, because we are being gracious enough to pay for our sibling in the first place (a generosity, not a requirement) so we shouldn’t have to pay for their spouse if we choose not to?

Your opinion would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
** I didn’t mean I wouldn’t invite our sibling’s family… of course I would. just meant we are considering only offering to pay for our actual sibling (if they can’t pay for their way.)
** Do you think it would be better to not offer anything as opposed to offer to only pay our sibling’s way? And what about siblings live-in girlfriends/boyfriends?
**No, I can’t “just get married where everyone lives.” My fiance and I come from two different states and opposite sides of the country. Any “hometown wedding” would involve half the people getting in a plane and flying for a 4 hour flight. We figured for that price, we might as well get married in Ixtapa.

Please look over this letter, and let me know if anything sounds strange, is worded peculiarly, is not a good way to phrase, etc. Basically, would you make any changes?

Thanks in advance!
—-
Dearest Family and Friends,

With deep love in our hearts, we, Daniel XXXXXXX and Christina XXXXX, are pleased to announce our engagement to be married. We have planned a destination wedding in Ixtapa, Mexico on Saturday April 17, 2010. Please know how very special you are to us, and that we would be honored by your presence at our wedding.

Do the nature of the a destination wedding, we have enclosed our save-the-date cards nine months in advance. Hopefully, this will provide you with ample time to consider your ability to attend. A formal invitation will follow within the next few months. At that point, we humbly request a swift RSVP, as it is our understanding that planning a wedding from a distance takes a great deal of time.

We do, however, recognize that the decision to have our wedding abroad may be cost-prohibitive for some, and will impact the number of guests who are able to attend. We realize this, and are sympathetic with the situation. We would of course be saddened by your absence and miss you greatly, but we want you to know that we would truly understand. For those who cannot make it, we will arrange for you to receive a courtesy filming of the wedding as captured by our cinematographer, so that you are able to share in our experience in some way.

For those of you who are able to attend, we have worked hard to make your travel arrangements as quick and easy as possible. As a courtesy to our guests, we have reserved a travel agent, Ms. XXXXX from XXXX, to assist you in your travel plans. We have worked closely with Ms. XXX to ensure that our guests have affordable travel and hotel packages to choose from. She can be reached Monday thru Friday from 8:00am to 5:00pm at XXXXX. Of course, you may certainly schedule your travel plans on your own if you wish. For those of you who prefer the latter option, we would like to recommend the following travel sites for booking: farecast.com, hotwire.com, priceline.com, travelocity.com, and expedia.com

In closing, we would like to reiterate our deep gratitude to those who are able to share in our special day, and our sincere understanding to all who cannot. We remain enthusiastic and optimistic for the upcoming joyous occasion. Thank you for your continued love, kindness, and support.

With love in our hearts,
Daniel and Christina
I wrote this at 2am last night, so if there are any typos, please forgive! (and point them out to me, please)
KRISTY: Yes, I too have a wedding website on my save-the-date magnet. The website contains all this info. But we think it’s important to cater to traditionalists and the elderly, who generally prefer everything in printed form, and are not necessarily as computer savvy. Surely, we would want to make sure the have access to this information, and that they have it early.

In addition, you and D4Prez missed main point of this letter: to assure our guests that we would understand if they cannot make it, and to not make anyone feel left out. While this may be unnecessary for a hometown wedding, we feel this expression is of utmost importance in a destination wedding, which is by nature, prohibits so many people from attending and runs the risk of people feeling left out.

I think I shall trim a little bit off, but actually, Jennifer V has it right- on regular stationary, the letter is not long at all, but only appears so on the Yahoo!Answers format

It takes too long to cross the border and back, and that is why I want to avoid driving to Mexico.

should i check my bags, or carry on

i dont know if i should trust the small ariport or the small airline flying me from mexico city to ixtapa, thanks