Cancun - Mexico Travel Best Beach Hotel & Drinking

Before Mexico's Riviera Mayan became famous as a region, Cancun already was attracting legions of American travelers looking for a beach vacation. Cancun still has the most breathtakingly-beautiful beach, and more of just about everything than anywhere else in the country.

Cancun has the finest accommodations in Mexico. The Zona Hotelera, where the best hotels stand, is a 14-mile strip of sandy-white beach lined with luxurious places to stay. Boulevard Kukulcan, the main thoroughfare, is itself tastefully landscaped and decorated with palm trees, bushes and waterfalls. The hotels in this area are fabulous but also very expensive. The devastation wrought by Hurricane Wilma in 2005 hastened renovations and new development, as extravagance became the norm.

The Ritz-Carlton Cancun is one hotel that gets rave reviews. Its architecture pays homage to Mexico's Spanish heritage, but its centerpiece is its powdery white-sand beach. The hotel's primary restaurant, The Club Grill, is highly acclaimed and has earned the prestigious five-diamond award.

Le Blanc Spa Resort is an all-inclusive property on the Zona Hotelera that is one of Cancun's finest. Its spa and fitness center are extraordinary, as is Le Blanc's service. Another top hotel choice is the JW Marriott, with its marble lobby and luxurious guest rooms. The JW Marriott's Gustino restaurant serves the finest Italian cuisine in Cancun.

Cancun is also an epicurean's paradise. Fabulous restaurants abound, especially on Boulevard Kukulcan, where the major hotels are located. Casa Rolandi, a Swiss/Italian restaurant, is the cream of the crop. The fresh Caribbean fish, veal and other meat dishes are outstanding, as are the desserts. Casa Rolandi also features an extensive wine list.

Lorenzillo's is a premier choice for seafood and is best known for lobster. Harry's Prime Steakhouse has a far-reaching reputation as the go-to place for superb steaks, but the fish is excellent also.

Nightlife is a big part of the Cancun scene. Several clubs are located in major hotels, and standalone mega-clubs include The City, CoCo Bongo and Bling. The Bar Hopper Tour takes the party crowd to Congo Bar, Senor Frog's and CoCo Bongo in one evening.

The adjacent Caribbean Sea adds tremendous value for fans of boating and water sports. Perhaps the most popular boat trip is a ride to nearby Isla Mujeres, home to a laid-back former fishing village with shops and restaurants. Isla Mujeres, which also has hotels and an excellent beach, is a vacation destination in its own right. Other boat outings include an evening party aboard the Caribbean Carnaval as well as a night of games and a pirate show on the Captain Hook.

Several vendors offer a Jungle Cruise, where two people drive their own speed boat across the lagoon and through a large coral reef. Other Cancun adventures include night fishing and snorkeling.

Weather Conditions in Cancun Mexico - When to Travel

When traveling to another country or region it's a good idea to know what the change in Climate will do for your trip. When is the best time to travel to Cancun based on their seasonal changes. Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula has two main climatic seasons, a rainy season that is between (May to mid-Oct) and a dry season (mid-October through April). The rainy season can be of little difference in the dry interior part of this region. The coastal region usually receives tropical showers which begin around 4 or 5 p.m. and last a few hours, in addition an occasional tropical storm that passes up the coastline. The daily rains can come on suddenly and be very strong, they usually end just as quickly as they begin, they cool the air for the evening, which is a nice treat. During peak hurricane season (Sept-Oct), take a look at the weather reports just before traveling to see whether you may run into any particularly rough weather.

The Hurricane season runs from June through October and can affects the Yucatan Peninsula.

June, July, and August are very hot and humid on the Yucatán Peninsula. Temperatures rising into the mid-80s and 90s. The coastal part of this region experiences temperatures in the 80s in the hottest months. During the winter months, temperatures average 70 to 75 during the days and about 55 to 65 in the evenings.

Mexico and its Yucatan Peninsula has two principal travel seasons, high and low. The high season begins around 20. December and runs until Easter, from some places, the peak season in mid-November. The season begins after Easter and continues until mid-December, during the low season, prices could decline between 20 percent and 50. In many places, popular with Mexican travelers, such as Cancun, the prices jump up to the season, high prices in July and August. Prices may increase dramatically during the weeks of Easter and Christmas, two weeks are peak travel timesMexico.

November is the best month to visit Cancun and stay away from Spring Break months when thinks might get a little crazy.

General Cancun Travel Tips to Keep in Mind

1. One of the most important Cancun tips to remember while on vacation is that not all water here is safe to drink. While it is true that hotels and resorts filter water, this does not guarantee that all bacterial agents are safely removed, nor does it mean that you will not possible get sick. Bottled water is readily available throughout Cancun, so be on the safe side and avoid drinking tap water.

2. Another very important Cancun travel tip to remember is that sunscreen is only effective here if it is waterproof. It is highly unlikely that you will never get in the ocean or a pool, so think beyond your tan when protecting your skin.

3. Mexico has very strict laws when it comes to defacement of currency. No bills that have been torn can be passed in Cancun, not even as tips or petty change. If someone offers you a torn bill, politely asked for one that has not been defaced. Otherwise, you have just lost money.

4. Beachfront hotels are private property and prefer that guests from other hotels not use their property to access the beach. There are ten public access points throughout Cancun that will allow any guests from any part of the island quick and convenient access to the water.

5. When shopping or clubbing, stay with the crowds. No city in the world should be walked alone at night. Even a safe place like Cancun is best explored in a group.

6. Do not believe people in information booths who say they are not selling time shares. They are.

7. Pedestrians do not have the right of way in Mexico. Let the cars have the road.

Cancun Tips on Legal Entry to the Country and handling any problems you may have in Mexico.

1. You can only enter Mexico with certain legal documents. These documents include passports, birth certificates with raised embossed seals, voter registration cards, or driver licenses with photo id. If you are bringing a child younger than 18 into the country who is not your own, you MUST have a notarized letter from the parents or guardian(s). This applies to family members as well as non-family members.

2. Go to the Consulate if you have any legal issues in Cancun. Do not take rely on advice or legal tips from Cancun locals if you find yourself in any type of dispute or legal matter. Go directly to your nations embassy and speak with your consulate.

Cancun Money Tips

1. You may convert US dollars to pesos at a range of $1 to 11-12 pesos (approximately). Currency exchange facilities are located all around Cancun. It is best to convert only a little bit of your cash at a time. You can only spend this money in Mexico, so do not get more than you need and then have to fly back home with less US money than Mexican money.

2. Traveler Checks are the safest way to spend money, and most Cancun businesses accept them.

3. US Dollars are also accepted in most places, but be careful carrying large amounts of American cash on you.

4. If you buy calling cards, buy them ONLY the ones made by the phone company that are labeled TelMex or LadaTel. These cards are also supposed to have a small microchip on them as well.

5. Do not depend on your credit card because not everyone will accept it.

6. If you bring your credit card, make sure you have identity theft protection and use the card only for emergencies.

7. Call your cell phone provider before leaving the States to make certain your phone will work here and that you will not be billed for roaming or international rates on minutes used.

Cancun Tipping for Service:

1. Cab drivers do not expect to be tipped.
2. Negotiate your rate up front, because cab drivers have been known to overcharge.
3. Tipping hotel staff and room service is considered generous and polite.
4. Gratuities are expected in restaurants, nightclubs, and bars.
5. Tips for service on the beach or in your room do not have to be money. Small gifts are considered thoughtful.