The Perpetual Tourist

In the United States, surprise fees are the norm whenever you stay at a hotel. Sure, it’s 89 bucks a night, but factor in taxes, service charges (whatever that means), and $3 for every coffee bean you used, and your budget hotel room is now costing your month’s rent.

That’s why the idea of an all-inclusive resort is so appealing. The price tag may seem a little steep at first glance, but factor in all the charges you won’t be hit with at checkout, and you might actually find that you’re saving money. In fact, if you’re someone who likes to be really active on vacation, you’ll probably save lots of money with all-inclusive resorts, which not only include your meals and all the cocktails you want, but often also activities on and off the resort.

All-inclusive resorts dominate Mexico tourism, and Cancun is one of many vacation hot spots in the country. The Cancun climate is temperate year-round, with average temperatures in the 70s and 80s whenever you visit. Rainy season is from May through October, so expect wetness and high humidity in these months. Winter months are generally more comfortable for travelers. Just keep in mind that if you visit during March and April, you’re likely to meet up with crowds of spring breakers.

For your family vacation

• Beach Palace Cancun - Your stay at Beach Palace includes all your drinks, snacks, and meals at any of the resort’s four restaurants and four additional bars, non-motorized water sports, daily activities, nightly entertainment, and guided tours of the hottest sites around Cancun. Beach Palace hosts theme parties and shows each night, sure to be a fun treat for the whole family.
• Grand Oasis Cancun - This large resort boasts over a dozen restaurants, as well as several swim up bars, so you don’t have to get out of your bathing suit to enjoy your afternoon (or morning - we won’t judge) cocktails. Oasis holds live nightly entertainment as well as theme parties, daily activities for kids and adults, and off-site excursions.

Adults Only

• Temptation Resort - A 21+ resort for singles and couples, Temptation sells itself as a sensual, sexy getaway. Nightly entertainment includes games and shows, all with a naughty twist, like “PJ’s and Lingerie Casino Night,” where the dress code is as sexy as possible, and prizes are awarded for the sexiest outfit.
  
• Desire Resort - Recommended as a couples-only destination, Desire is known for its clothing-optional beach and jacuzzi lounge bar. The resort bills itself as “Deliciously Erotic.” Also a 21+ destination, Desire features three restaurants and three bars, a disco lounge, water sports, and over 200 different tourist excursions.

With most of the all-inclusive resorts, everything on site is included, except sometimes spa extras like massages, while the sightseeing excursions generally cost extra. Before you book anything, though, be sure to shop around for specials — most of the resorts offer various specials throughout the year, including deep discounts on rooms or free extras, like the sightseeing packages.

All the free liquor is grand, and the resorts are definitely comfortable, but be sure to peel yourself away long enough to see some of what the surrounding area has to offer. The ancient Mayan ruins at Chichen Itza are not to be missed, and I’d also recommend that you check out Xcaret, an eco theme park where you can swim with dolphins, see live educational shows, visit Mexico’s best aquarium, visit archaeological sites and more.

Not far from Cancun’s hotel district, you’ll find lots of shopping. I’m not one to tell you what souvenirs to bring home, but you’ll find great deals on silver jewelry, which makes a nice gift for those you left behind, or a lovely keepsake for yourself.

The luxury resorts around Mexico are as clean, if not cleaner, than most places you’ll go in the states, but when you’re out and about, you will need to be careful about what you eat and drink. Stick to bottled water and avoid food from street vendors. Just be smart about what you put in your body, and you shouldn’t have to deal with any major GI situations.