Dreaming of spending your holidays in a place with white-sand beaches, crystal clear waters, lots of sun, rich culture and delicious food? Cancun can offer all of that and more, so it’s no wonder millions of people choose it as their holiday destination every year. In fact, Cancun is the second most popular tourist destination in Mexico, surpassed only by the country’s capital, Mexico City.
If you’re planning on visiting Cancun anytime soon, you’re going to be in for a treat. As one of the most well-known destinations in Mexico, Cancun is a very convenient choice, with direct flights from most major cities, a wide variety of gorgeous resorts to satisfy even the most demanding visitors, and plenty of activities to ensure there’s never a dull moment while you’re there.
However, traveling to a foreign country, even if it’s only for a short period of time, always requires some preparation if you want things to go smoothly and avoid unpleasant surprises. So, if you want to make your trip to Cancun memorable, here are 7 tips you should consider before you start packing your bags.
Choose the right location
Cancun attracts a diverse crowd due to it being a very diverse location. Tourists usually visit Cancun for one of two reasons: the amazing white-sand beaches and the lively nightlife. Cancun is the ideal destination if you want to relax and get a taste of beach life, but it’s also a great choice if you want to party from dusk till dawn with your besties. Apart from that, you also get to explore stunning cultural sites and breathtaking rainforests.
So, you should choose your location in Cancun depending on what you want to do during your holiday. For beaches and nightlife, the Hotel Zone or Zona Hotelera where you’ll find the best resorts, bars and clubs, is probably the best choice. However, if you’re more into family adventures and cultural explorations, and you want to avoid the hustle and bustle of tourists, you might find accommodations south of Cancun much more appealing.
Pack wisely
After you’ve decided on the location that best suits your preferences, you can start thinking about the things you should bring along with you. The weather is generally pleasant, with warm temperatures all year round, so you shouldn’t have any trouble choosing your outfits. Keep in mind that the summer season is very rainy and coincides with hurricane season, but it’s also the best time for finding great deals. During winter months temperatures are more pleasant, but trips can be a bit more expensive.
No matter what time of the year you decide to visit Cancun, there are some essential items you should include on your packing list such as light clothing items, a hat, swimsuits, sun protection, comfortable shoes and insect repellent spray.
Book trips and adventures ahead of time
As we’ve already mentioned, Cancun and the surrounding areas are brimming with amazing cultural sites and natural attractions that you can explore while you’re on holiday. From visiting the Mayan pyramids and swimming in cenotes to scuba diving or zip lining in the jungle, you’ll have plenty of options to keep you busy and entertained in Cancun.
It would be a shame to miss these adventures, so start doing your research well before you arrive to make sure you find the activities that interest you and book them at a cheaper price. If you wait until you get to Cancun to make the bookings, chances are you’ll pay a lot more for it.
Choose shuttles instead of taxis
As a tourist, you have to learn how to get around Cancun with ease, without paying too much on transport. It’s a well-known fact that taxis in Cancun can leave a hole in your budget, especially if you plan on travelling from one place to another a lot or if your accommodation is not located close to the airport.
A much wiser and cost-friendly alternative is to book a CancunShuttle service, so you can enjoy greater comfort and save some money in the process. That’s also the safest and most reliable transportation option you’ll find in Cancun.
Include tips in your budget
Speaking of money, when you’re planning your holiday budget for Cancun, apart from accommodation, transport and other services you want to book, don’t forget to include tips in the equation. Mexico has a tipping culture that is a bit different than in other parts of the world.
As a tourist you have to keep in mind that you’ll be expected, and in some cases even asked directly, to tip for every service you receive. Of course, no one is going to force you to do it, but it’s the local custom and, you know, when in Rome… Also, you don’t have to tip big. A few bucks are usually more than enough.
Cash is better than card
We have to mention one last aspect to end the money discussion. If you’re having any doubts on whether to use your credit and debit cards or pay with cash while you’re in Cancun, the answer is simple: opt for cash. Using your cards may expose you to certain risks, especially when used outside the resort area.
Practice caution and exchange money for pesos, the local currency, before you arrive in Cancun. You can also pay with American dollars in almost all locations in Cancun, so it’s up to you to decide which option to choose.
Go beyond the resort
Although Mexico’s crime rate has a lot of tourists worried about their safety and authorities warn travelers to practice caution when visiting the country, you should know that Cancun is generally a safe place to be.
That means you shouldn’t be afraid to go outside the resort. While you might feel reluctant to leave the comfort and safety of the resort, you should also think about the many wonderful things you can discover beyond its grounds. As long as you’re careful and you stick to popular areas, you shouldn’t have anything to worry about.
Now that you’ve done your homework, it’s time to make the most of your Cancun holiday experience.
