While the words “spring break” and “Cancun” may conjur images of non-stop parties and college kids in bikinis, it’s also a great time for families to escape the winter and head south.  Cancun is a fantastic family destination for Spring Break this year, so much for kids and adults to enjoy and some great bargains to be had!  Cancun Travel is happy to help in choosing the right hotel and the right activities for the whole family.

Blue Bay Club Cancun

Choosing a hotel is the first step in planning your trip.  For many families, all inclusive is the way to go.  No one has to worry about how much that hamburger cost or if the kids are going to clean their $20 plate.  Drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) are free flowing, letting kids stay hydrated without having to fork over money for every bottle of water or glass of juice.  Many all inclusive hotels offer kids’ clubs for both young kids and teenagers, with activities planned throughout the day.  The Blue Bay Club in Cancun has installations for kids and programs that run from early morning to late at night.  It’s not in the hotel zone of Cancun so it’s away from the “hustle bustle”, giving parents a chance to relax and soak up the Caribbean sun.  The beach is on the calm waters of the bay, perfect for small children and those looking to float the afternoon away.  Nightly shows include singing and dancing spectaculars in the on-site theater, family entertainment at its best.  The Blue Bay Club is a great choice for families looking for an escape, check out the Cancun Travel booking page for our fantastic deals, less than $100 per night!

The Great Parnassus is another family all inclusive, set on a gorgeous stretch of beach in the hotel zone of Cancun.  Kids will enjoy the “Rain Forest” mini-golf and the “Treasure Island” water park and parents can relax in the adults only pool.  With a special kids’ buffet, 24 hour room service, and a plethora of restaurants and bars, you’ll never be hungry or thirsty at the Great Parnassus!  Family rooms are available, with bunk beds and a capacity of two adults, three kids.  The recently reconstructed beach is huge, lots of room for flying kites, playing soccer or just building sand castles.  This is your “no worries” destination, everything at your fingertips and great service from the friendly staff.

Beachscape Kin Ha Villas

If all inclusive is not your thing, the Beachscape Kin Ha Villas may be the place for you and your family in Cancun.  Apartment style units with living rooms, dining area, kitchens and bedrooms make this your home away from home.  The beach at the Kin Ha Villas is gorgeous, a huge stretch of white sand on calm waters, many people say it’s the best beach in Cancun.  A nice pool with a shallow area, a small jungle gym area for kids and an onsite restaurant offering tasty treats and drinks, all you need for a relaxing trip with kids.  Having the kitchen is a fabulous way to stay healthy and stay on budget.  There are small grocery stores nearby or you can head into Walmart in town, stock up on the kids’ favourite drinks and snacks (and “adult” beverages for mom and dad if so inclined) without breaking the bank.  One, two and three bedroom units are available, making this an ideal choice for larger groups or families for a flat nightly rate rather than paying per person.  This is not a “party hearty” hotel, it’s laid back, relaxed, a spot to reconnect with your loved ones.

Swim with Dolphins in Cancun

The hotels are lovely and offer some great comforts and services, but make sure you get out and explore a little too!  The eco-parks Xcaret and Xel-Ha are ideal for families, flora, fauna, snorkeling and interactive exhibits, you’re guaranteed a full day of adventure.  Swimming with dolphins on Isla Mujeres is the experience of a lifetime, something for all ages to enjoy that the kids (and grown ups!) will never forget.  Older kids will enjoy a zip line adventure, while the whole family will be thrilled on a day cruise with Caribbean Funday.  With so much history and nature at your doorstep, it’s a great opportunity to explore and learn, Riviera Maya is a playground and classroom in one (but shhh, don’t tell the kids about the classroom part!)

With spring break right around the corner, students from all over are getting ready for their trips down south.  Working out for that beach-ready bod, hitting the tanning bed and plotting their strategies to cruise as many parties as they can in their seven days of freedom.  Spring Break Cancun is a rite of passage for many, for years Cancun has been THE place to go in March.  Great deals for cash-strapped students, exciting nightclubs packed to the gills and sun, sun, sun make it an attractive choice for students from around the world.  So, what advice can we offer these exuberant travelers?  Here’s the Top Eight Spring Break Tips for college kids looking to have a good time and a safe time.

1.  Hotels-  Choosing a spring break hotel is the first step in the planning of your escape.  There are a few hotels that are known to be “party palaces” during Spring Break, chock full of young people rocking out on the beach and in the pool.  A long time favourite of breakers is the Oasis Cancun, not the most luxurious of hotels but they offer a bargain place to stay, all inclusive (read:  all the alcohol you can drink), wild entertainment and student bodies everywhere.

2.  Nightclubs-  Cancun discos and bars are the driving force of spring break, thousands of young people party all night long in “party central”.  Most of the discos in Cancun are centrally located at km 8.5 in the hotel zone.  The big nightclubs offer “all inclusive” entrance fees (called “barra libre” in Spanish), you’ll pay one price to drink and party the night away.  Prices are usually around $40 or $50 USD for open bar and entrance, though they do vary from club to club.  Don’t forget that while your drinks are included, tips are not!  Tip your bartender or server on your first drink to get their attention, it often helps in getting service throughout the night.  Never accept a drink from a stranger, keep your drinks in hand or in sight at all times, stick with your friends all night and try to be moderate in your drinking.  (Yes, I know, that defeats the purpose of Spring Break, but you can have a great time without ending up passed out on the sidewalk).  The hottest nightclubs in town include the incredible Coco Bongo, The City, Dady’O, Dady Rock, the Bulldog Cafe, Basic and Señor Frogs.  One of the best ways to start your nightlife experience is with a party hopper tour like the ¨Sunset to Sunrise Package¨, one price for several clubs, a guide, VIP service and open bar included.  Spring Break brings a lot of big time artists to perform in Cancun, ask around for the hot events, rumour is that Pink is performing this year at The City!  Drink safe, drink water in between cocktails, tip your waiters and watch out for your friends and you can have a fabulous, safe nightlife experience in Cancun!

3.  Food-  This is not something breakers usually focus on, students are not looking for the fine dining experiences that Cancun has to offer.  Most students will be staying at all inclusive resorts and can enjoy all the food they can eat at the buffets.  Others will venture out of their resort and will be easily pleased by the McDonald’s, Domino’s and Subways found in the hotel zone.  Students on a budget should also look for small “hole in the wall” places scattered around the party center, Taco Factory is an old fave, Choco y Tere’s and the hidden gem Xtabentun (hidden behind the Coral Negro flea market, it’s a great place to grab a torta and that last beer after hours).

4.  Money-  The currency of Mexico is pesos and while US dollars are widely accepted, you’ll be better off using the local money.  Prices are usually listed in pesos, you won’t have to worry about trying to calculate exchange in your head and you’ll find better deals when using Mexican money.  Don’t carry large amounts around with you, there are bank machines everywhere to withdraw what you’ll need for the day.  Notify your bank that you will be travelling to Mexico and using your cards, sometimes they’ll put a “hold” on any transactions that are out of your usual pattern so letting them know before you go will save you hassles.  Credit cards are widely accepted, though cash is usually easier at the clubs (and you’ll need some tip money on hand!)  If you arrive with US dollars, you can exchange your money at the hotel, banks or “casas de cambio” (exchange houses).

5.  Transportation-  The bus rocks in Cancun!  The hotel zone is just one long street so there is no way you’ll get lost.  For 7.5 pesos (less than 60 cents US), you can get anywhere you need to go.  Using exact change in pesos will make your life easier, no messing around with exchange and change on the often crowded buses.  The busses are an entertaining and safe way to travel, you’ll definitely meet some characters!  Taxis in the hotel zone can be very expensive, beware, if you are going to be taking a taxi negotiate the price clearly before getting in the taxi or have the bell man at the hotel help you out.  The bus is definitely the better option, especially for those travelling on a budget.

6.  Safety-  Cancun is a very safe destination, tourism is the reason the city exists and everyone does all they can to keep the town safe.  That said, you must use common sense like you would in any large metropolis.  Always stay with a group, don’t wander off by yourself, especially at night.  Don’t flash cash around.  Do NOT attempt to buy or use illegal drugs, this will have serious consequences.  Do not pick a fight in the bars, just walk away, no need to spend a night (or more) in jail on your fantastic vacation.  Do not urinate in public, this may seem like a silly thing to say, but it’s probably the most common reason that breakers get into trouble.  Do not use the services of prostitutes.  Make copies of your identification and keep it in the hotel safe in case you lose your documents.  Register with your home country’s office of foreign affairs so they know where you are in case of emergency.  Do not swim in the ocean while drunk, there can be very serious undertows, the ocean is a powerful force and drinking and swimming do not mix.  Do not attempt any foolishness on hotel room balconies, many accidents here occur when people try to jump from one balcony to another while drinking.  Just bring your common sense, watch out for your friends and use your head!

7.  Tours-  While most students come here to whoop it up at the resort and party all night long, some might want to take advantage of the amazing adventures available in the area.  Always purchase your tours from a reputable agency, beware of time share sales people offering free tours, you’ll need to go to a presentation at their hotels and may lose a whole day.  We recommend booking tours in advance (we’re happy to help!) to avoid rip offs and ensure a spot on the tour.  Zip line through the jungle, explore underground rivers and cenotes at Aktunchen, or just keep the party going on a “booze cruise” like the Caribbean Funday.  For the experience of a liftetime, nothing beats swimming with dolphins on Isla Mujeres and you can combine your dolphin experience with a trip to the incredible Garrafon Park.  There is so much to do in Cancun, why spend all your days at the resort, get out and have an adventure!

8.  Health safety-  Round the clock drinking is often the focus of a spring breakers trip, but there are ways to minimize the hangovers and damage caused by too much alcohol.  Alternate your drinks with bottled water, with the heat and alcohol you will become dehydrated and run the risk of becoming seriously ill.  Don’t forget to eat, the buffets are always open, be sure to throw some fruits and veggies into your diet with the pizza and nachos, the vitamins and minerals will help you keep your energy up and aid in hangover prevention.  Sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen!  While getting a great tan is important, you must realize that the Cancun sun is fierce, you can get a burn in no time and that is no fun for anyone.  Heat stroke is common, particularly when drinking in the sun, be sure to wear a hat and drink more bottled water while playing tequila volleyball!  Do not ever drink and swim, even the strongest of swimmers are no match for the power of the sea.  The best way to prevent hangovers is to eat before you drink, take extra vitamins B and C and keep up on the water intake.  Have a piece of fruit before passing out for the night, you’ll thank yourself in the morning.  Don’t drink tap water, it’s ok for washing and even brushing your teeth, but stick to bottled water for drinking.  Some folks warn against ice in drinks, but it’s a myth, all ice in hotels and bars is made from purified water.  If you get sick on the trip, the hotels will have in-house doctors and nurses.  If you are seriously ill or injured, there are several fine hospitals in the area, but be prepared to pay for treatment, travel health insurance is not a bad idea.

And there you have it, our Top Eight Tips for Spring Break in Cancun.  We don’t mean to sound like your mom, we just want you to have a great time while keeping safe.  You can let it all hang out, what happens in Cancun stays in Cancun (unless you get caught on “Girls Gone Wild” cameras) but keep your common sense with you at all times, take care of yourself and your friends and treat the locals and your fellow tourists with respect.  Have a blast kids!

The sound of rolling waves, moonlight shining on the water, warm breezes in your hair and the arms of your loved one around you.  What better gift for that special person in your life than a Valentine’s trip to Cancun?  Romance abounds in this tropical destination, there are many reasons why it’s such a popular choice for honeymooners and lovers.

While Cancun may have a reputation as being “party central”, it’s also a lover’s delight.  Many Cancun hotels cater to couples in love, with a focus on relaxation, pampering and luxurious romantic pursuits.  Private dinners on the beach, couples massages, bottles of champagne and intimate jacuzzis for two, creative in-room decorations and just about anything your romantic heart desires are yours at the beautiful Bel Air Collection hotel.  The Bel Air is a hip boutique hotel, catering to lovers who wish to relax and be pampered, with gorgeous jacuzzi lanai suites, a luxurious spa and gourmet dining.  Their specialty is “amor”, ask for their romance package and give your loved one a Valentine’s Day in Cancun to remember.  Cancun Travel is pleased to offer some fantastic romance specials for Valentine’s day, Bel Air Collection deluxe rooms from only $53 USD per person per night, your lover will be thrilled and so will your pocketbook.

For those of you looking for  an upbeat sexy escape, there is nothing quite like the Temptation Resort Spa.  This adults-only Cancun resort offers titillation and excitement at its “sexy pool” (topless optional) and the wild nightly events in the onsite nightclubs.  The animation team is famous (infamous?) for their antics and sexy games, bringing out the wild side in guests and inviting everyone to lose their inhibitions.  Guests can also choose to relax at the quiet pool or enjoy a sensuous massage at the Tempation Spa if they wish to escape the action for a while.  The Temptation Resort Spa is thrilled to bring you the spirit of Valentine’s, with a whole weekend dedicated to lovers with kissing contests, “Perfect Couple” contests, “exotic” Spanish classes and sexy surprises for this special weekend in February.  Invigorate your senses and add some spice to your love life, book Temptation Resort Spa with Cancun Travel for Valentine’s Day and feel the sizzle in your soul.

For couples looking for the ultimate in luxury and romance, the Sun Palace Cancun is the place for you.  The Sun Palace is unique, the first “couples-only” hotel in Cancun.  No kids, no singles, just lovers in love looking to be spoiled.  Indulge yourself in this elegant all-inclusive resort, with double jacuzzis in the rooms, 24 room service, gourmet dining and exceptional service.  The Sun Palace Spa is one of the finest in Cancun, with an extensive list of services and rooms dedicated exclusively to couples massages and treatments.  The Sun Palace offers romance packages for honeymooners and special couples, with flowers, chocolate covered strawberries, private in-room dinners, aromatherapy menus and rose-petal filled jacuzzis.  The ultimate way to delight your senses and lose yourself in love, book your Valentine’s Day at the Sun Palace Cancun with Cancun Travel now.

Leave the box of chocolates at the convenience store this year, book a Cancun Valentine adventure and fill your hearts with passion and love.

You come to Cancun for some fun in the sun, you’ve got all your tours planned and a tight tanning schedule.  What do you do if you are faced with (GASP!) a rainy day?

1.  Shop!  Cancun is a shopper’s paradise, from high end boutiques to bargain souvenirs in the markets, if you’ve got the urge to splurge, there’s a place for you.  Treat yourself like royalty in Plaza Kukulcan’s “Luxury Avenue”, home to Ferragamo, Coach, Louis Vuitton, Ultrajewels and more.  Silver and diamonds are popular items in Cancun, be sure to look for the “.925″ stamp on the silver to ensure it’s authenticity.  If rain is keeping you off the beach, why not have a little downtown adventure, pay a visit to Plaza las Americas with a wide variety of stores, boutiques, department stores and restaurants.  You’ll always find something here that you won’t find back home.  Market 28 downtown is a bargainer’s paradise, handicrafts, arts, souvenirs, jewelry, handmade hammocks and of course the obligatory t-shirts, and as the vendors will tell you, it’s “cheaper than Walmart”.  Bring an umbrella, the market is mostly covered, but you’ll need it for the journey.  Other malls in the hotel zone of Cancun include Plaza Caracol, Plaza Forum and Plaza Flamingo.  Paying in pesos is your best bet, no need to worry about exchange rate calculations and you’ll often get a better price when paying in the local currency.

2.  Let’s roll, let’s bowl!  You probably didn’t think of going bowling on your tropical vacation, but it’s a great way to pass a couple of wet rainy hours.  The 2.02 Bowling Alley and restaurant is located in Plaza Kukulcan and for the downtown adventurers, Planet Bowl Entertainment Center is located in the lovely mall called Paseo Cancun.

3.  Go back in time and marvel at ancient artifacts in the Archaeological Museum of Cancun, located on the first floor of the convention center at kilometer 9.5 of the hotel zone.  With over 800 items collected from local Mayan ruins and a variety of displays about the Mayan culture and history, the museum is a great way to forget about the rain and learn about the local culture.  The museum is open daily from 9 am to 8 pm and there is a small entry fee.

4.  You gotta have art.  Plaza la Isla in the hotel zone is home to the Pelopidas Gallery, a unique space devoted to the visual arts.  With it’s collection of “Faux Arts” (original reproductions created with the same painting techniques, pigments and surfaces of the original authors, endorsed by a certificate of authenticity), you’ll find yourself peering into the world of beauty of Da Vinci, Gaugin and Lautrec.  The gallery also hosts rotating exhibits of renowned and up and coming international artists in a variety of mediums.

5.  Stick around your hotel and get to know your fellow guests.  Most hotels offer rainy day programs, with art or cooking classes, karaoke contests, Mexican bingo, Spanish classes and so much more.  Ask your concierge for information specific to your hotel and join in the fun.

6.  Indulge in a spa day.  A little rain always has an upside, it could be a hot stone massage or a facial or spoiling yourself with a delicious chocolate body treatment.  Many Cancun hotels have spas onsite with a wide range of treatments available to make you forget all about the wet stuff outside.  For an extra special rainy day romantic treat, book a couples massage and let the outside world fade away.  The Cancun spa experience will leave you feeling relaxed, refreshed and rejuvenate.

7.  Catch a flick!  You might enter the theater while it’s pouring rain only to come out to discover blue skies and sun.  Plaza la Isla is the hotel zone home to a five screen theater and if you head downtown you can have a “VIP” experience in the cinema in Plaza las Americas.  Theaters will show movies in English with Spanish subtitles (though often animated films are dubbed into Spanish, be sure to check before buying your tickets!)

8.  Try your luck at the Play City casino.  With video gambling and sports betting, it’s a great diversion for the over 18 crowd.  Located in Plaza Kukulkan, Play City is open in the afternoons and evenings for your wagering pleasure, with a well stocked bar and helpful bilingual staff.  Who knows, if Lady Luck is on your side you might just be able to afford another shopping trip!

So, no need to fret about rain ruining your vacation, there are plenty of things to keep you busy.  Perhaps the most relaxing of all is sitting on your balcony and enjoying the peace of a tropical rainfall while marveling at the wonder of the deep blue sea.  Or, what the heck, pull a little Fred Astaire and go singing and dancing in the rain, you’d be wet in the pool or ocean anyway!  Live each moment of your vacation as an adventure and an experience, a rainy day in Cancun is still better than a day at the office.

While many travellers love Cancun and the Riviera Maya for the beaches and deep blue sea, one cannot forget about the joys of going inland to the state of Yucatan for a day or two of history, jungle and relaxation.  The Mayaland Hotel provides all of these things and so much more.

Located on the site of the famous Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza, the Mayaland Hotel was built in the 1920’s to accommodate the archaeologists who were beginning to come to the area.  The hotel is still managed by the original family who built it.  With its simple charms and elegance it is as much a part of history as the ruins themselves.

Set on 40 hectares of jungle land, the hotel is comprised of the main building with 55 rooms and bungalows in traditional Mayan style spread throughout the magnificent grounds.  “The Lodge at Chichen Itza“, is a group of cozy villas in the gardens adjacent to the main Mayaland Hotel.  The hotel has an extensive history of celebrity guests, including Pavarotti for whom one of the buildings has been named.  Last year Placido Domingo graced Mayaland with his presence when he performed his grand concert at Chichen Itza.

The grounds of the Mayaland Hotel are nothing short of gorgeous.  Towering palm trees, flowering bougainvillea, almond, mango, lemon, “jicara”, and many other fruit trees are found lining the paths.  The hotel uses the fruit in its restaurants, the homemade mango ice cream is a must and you’ll taste the freshest lemonade ever!  Peacocks strut around the pool and restaurants and between the birdsong and the whispering breeze through the trees, your stress will melt away.

Set in a mystic and magical place, the hotel has its own tales of mystery.  The mischievous “alux” (pronounced “aloosh”) has been reported by a few guests, playing harmless pranks on occasion.  Once a year the staff of the hotel perform a ritual, making offerings to the aluxes to protect the land.  The Mayan culture plays a vital role in the hotel, rituals are performed at various points throughout the year, including a special ceremony for the “Day of the Dead”.

Guests are invited to participate in special Mayan cooking classes, learning how to cook with the underground “pib”.  The hotel restaurants feature Yucatecan specialties, including the delicious “cochinita pibil” and handmade tortillas that are out of this world.  The food in the breakfast and lunch buffets is fresh and varied, something for every taste.  The main a la carte restaurant offers tempting gourmet meals and will prepare special meals on request for groups or events.

The Mayaland Hotel is a very special place.  For anyone travelling to Cancun or the Riviera Maya with plans to visit Chichen Itza, consider taking the overnight tour and enjoying an extra piece of history.  The rooms and villas are cozy and inviting and the service staff is friendly, warm and extremely knowledgeable about the area.  You will be very glad you took the time to discover the Yucatan Peninsula outside of the beaches and nightclubs, stepping back in time and filling your mind with peace and tranquility.

We invite you to see our Flickr set for more photos of the Mayaland Hotel.

Leave your worries behind and unwind at the exclusive Hotel Blue Tulum.  This small hotel offers luxurious accomodations in an intimate setting, a world-class spa and an absolutely “stress-free” vacation.

Hotel Blue Tulum is set on the stunning Caribbean Sea within walking distance of the ancient Tulum ruins in the Riviera Maya of Mexico.  This 5 star, all inclusive hotel offers the finest in gourmet dining, with contemporary Mexican design throughout the complex of villas and personalized attention and care to fulfill your every need.  The large suites are equipped with every modern amenity and each private terrace comes complete with a jacuzzi for two.  The 15000 sq. ft. spa will soothe your soul, refresh your mind and cleanse your body with a variety of treatments and massages available. Hotel Blue Tulum is not only a romantic retreat, it’s a family friendly resort as well, with activities and facilities for children and child care available to allow the adults to soak up a little relaxation while the kids romp and frolic with the caring staff.  Hotel Blue Tulum is active in their efforts to protect the environment for future generations, understanding and embracing the importance of sustainable tourism.

CancunTravel.com is pleased to offer some very special deals for this incredible hotel.  Book before October 31, 2009, for travel before December 22nd, 2009 and enjoy a 60% discount on accomodations and receive $100 USD credit per day for massages in the spa.  Two children under 12 are absolutely free when sharing a room with their parents.

For travel before December 22nd, 2009, with a minimum of a three night stay, guests receive a 50% discount on accommodations, $100 USD credit per day for massages in the spa and 2 children under 12 stay free with their parents and as an added bonus, receive a free rental car, you only need to pay the $15 USD per day insurance fee (must be 25 years old with a valid driver’s license).

Looking for a special Christmas or New Year’s trip?  Book before November 15th, 2009 for visits to Hotel Blue Tulum between December 23rd, 2009 and January 6th, 2010 for a minimum five night stay and receive a 35% discount on accommodations!

In addition, we’ve got great deals for all travel between January 6th, 2010 and December 22nd, 2010.  Book before December 22nd, 2009 and receive a 50% discount on accommodations and a $200 USD credit for the spa, per room, per stay (minimum 3 nights).

Contact our bilingual customer service representatives at Cancuntravel.com and reserve your Tulum escape today!

Great deals on Hotel Blue Tulum