Oh, Mexico -- you just keep me coming back for more. Truth be told, I can't get enough of the beautif

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For today s Destination of the Week , TPG contributor Jen Jones Donatelli takes us south of the border to one of Mexico discounted american airlines tickets s most popular beach vacation spots: discounted american airlines tickets Cancun. As she notes, however, there s a lot more to Cancun and the Riviera Maya than just fun in the sun.
Oh, Mexico — you just keep me coming back for more. Truth be told, I can’t get enough of the beautiful beaches, laid-back vibe, artsy flair, and adventurous excursions that await in vibrant Mexico. Most recently, I visited Cancun and the Riviera Maya and was entranced by the experience. Located on the eastern part of the Yucatan discounted american airlines tickets peninsula on the Caribbean Sea, this tropical discounted american airlines tickets destination discounted american airlines tickets has something for everyone—history buffs will love visiting the Mayan ruins, while outdoorsy types will dig the area’s natural cenotes . Most of the hotels and resorts offer enough activities and amenities to keep you entertained during discounted american airlines tickets your entire stay, but special excursions abound for those who want to get out and experience this unique region.
Since the Riviera Maya region occupies more than a 90-mile stretch, it’s important to be strategic in your choice of final destination. The decision to visit Cancun or the Riviera Maya boils down to a few key factors: those looking for easy access to lively nightlife, plentiful shopping and a more urban feel might want to hit the sands of Cancun, while the Riviera Maya lends itself to a more outdoorsy, easy-breezy feel and is more spread out in general. (You’ll also find more all-inclusive options in the Riviera Maya.) Some of the most popular destinations in the Riviera Maya include Playa del Carmen, Tulum (recently vaunted as “Mexico’s most stylish beach destination” in Travel + Leisure) and the island of Cozumel.
No matter where you choose to lay your head, be sure to take advantage of the ample activities available throughout the region. Many hotels discounted american airlines tickets will arrange excursions for you, or you can enlist the services of independent tour companies like Aventuras Mayas or Alltournatives , which offer hotel pickup.
In my opinion, visiting the Mayan archaeological sites is an absolute must—whether you head inland to well-known Chichen Itza , little-known gem Ek Balam, or beachside Tulum. I recommend Ek Balam, discounted american airlines tickets as you can actually climb the temples and see the ruins up close (the others have “look, but don’t touch”-style discounted american airlines tickets policies due to high foot traffic). On my visit there, I was actually able to view intact Mayan inscriptions, though I was unable to decipher any apocalyptic meaning.
Archaelogical eco-park Xcaret is another popular place to visit—offering discounted american airlines tickets diverse options such as a coral reef aquarium, butterfly pavilion, dolphin swimming, caves, beaches, underground pools and natural underground discounted american airlines tickets rivers. If you love nature, a trip to the Isla Mujeres Turtle Farm is sure to bring you out of your shell; turtle fans in particular may want to visit in September and October, when guests can participate discounted american airlines tickets in baby sea turtle releases at select resorts such as Barcelo Maya Beach Resort.
discounted american airlines tickets One uniquely Mexican thing to do on your trip is visit a cenote, a type of underground discounted american airlines tickets swimming hole indigenous to Mexico. Subterranean swimming is a one-of-a-kind experience that you’re not sure to forget discounted american airlines tickets anytime soon. As part of the Ek Balam excursion I took through discounted american airlines tickets Alltournatives, we visited Cenote Maya Park, where you can zipline, rappel, or simply on foot descend into the cavernous cenote. (Afterwards, they’ll serve you a steaming hot Mexican feast!)
And, of course, no visit to Cancun and/or the Riviera Maya is complete without sun and fun—make sure to indulge in some snorkeling, scuba diving or simply swimming in the gorgeous Caribbean sea during your trip.
Get your passport ready! For all destinations discounted american airlines tickets in the Riviera Maya, all roads lead to Cancun International Airport (CUN). One of the busiest airports in the Caribbean, CUN set its own arrivals record in 2011 with more than 13 million travelers. The airport is located about 25 minutes from Cancun, 45 minutes from Playa del Carmen, 60 minutes from Akumal and 90 minutes from Tulum. (For my recent stay in Xpu-ha, it took us about an hour and 15 minutes to get there.)
For that reason, you’ll want to be especially diligent about arranging ground transportation ahead of time, so that you don’t get dinged on last-minute cab fare. Many hotels discounted american airlines tickets offer their own airport transfer services; discounted american airlines tickets you can also find a list of airport-approved options here .
More than 20 airlines fly into CUN, including Air Canada, TACA, Copa, United and US Airways (Star Alliance); American Airlines (OneWorld); and Aeromexico discounted american airlines tickets and Delta (SkyTeam). Other airlines include AirTran, JetBlue, Frontier Airlines, Spirit Airlines, Virgin America, Sun Country and several specialty airlines.
For $27USD, you can gain access to the airport’s independent VIP lounges in Terminals Two and Three, which afford free Internet/wi-fi, open bar, canapés, massage chairs, and other amenities. On the return trip, Mexican singers and dancers add a festive feel as you walk to your gate, and there is plenty of duty-free shopping to distract until your flight takes off. (I stocked up on hot sauce for my husband!)
Radisson Hotel Hacienda,Cancun : If you’d rather stay in the thick of Cancun’s downtown than by the water, the Radisson Hotel Hacienda might be the perfect pick. (And if you do get the urge for some beach time, the hotel offers a free shuttle.) On-site features include a pool, fitness center, business center and El Agave restaurant; the hotel also offers free wi-fi in all rooms. Rates in November start at $62USD/night; Club Carlson discounted american airlines tickets members can redeem 9,000 Gold points or 5,000 points + $41.40 for a free night.
Another reason to consider a Club Carlson property is the current “Stay More Nights, Earn More Points” promotion happening through December 1. Members can earn up to 120,000 bonus points depending on how long they stay (up to five nights will net you 4,000/night, while 10-20 night stays are worth 6,000/night.)
Hyatt Regency Cancun: This beachfront hotel features 295 rooms and suites, all with private balconies. Enjoy the view of the Caribbean sea while working out in the fitness center, relax at the Beach House Spa or wine and dine at one of five bars and restaurants. If you book by January 7 th , you can take advantage of their current “Sunshine on Sale” promotion, which provides a fourth night free and 20% off discounts on food and beverage orders and spa treatments. In November, average nightly rates start at $135USD/night, discounted american airlines tickets or you can redeem a free night at this Category 2 hotel with 8,000 Gold Passport points.
CasaMagna Marriott Resort Spa (Cancun): Named one of Conde Nast Traveler ’s “5 Best Hotels in Latin America,” this beachfront hotel is located 10 miles from CUN airport. All rooms feature Revive bedding, 32-inch LCD TVs and private balconies; if you’re feeling extra flush, you can book one of 24 Caribbean suites, 8 Executive suites, 4 Magna Suites or 2 Presidential Suites. In November, rates start at $129USD/night, or you can redeem a free night with 25,000 points (20,000 with PointSavers).
Ritz-Carlton Cancun: Situated on 1,200 feet of white sand beach in Cancun’s “Hotel Zone,” the luxurious Ritz-Carlton offers 365 rooms and suites—all with sea views. Seven restaurants, two heated outdoor pools, complimentary fitness center, tennis center and the Kayanta Spa make comprise the deluxe Ritz-Carlton experience. Along with a gift shop, there are also Escada and La Perla boutiques on-site. A car rental agency is also on property. Travelers who go before December 22nd get a free fourth night; those staying five nights will get the fifth night free and a $100 resort credit. November rates start at $279 USD night; 40,000 Tier points are required to book a free one-night stay.
InterContinental Presidente Cancun Resort (Cancun): Recently renovated in 2010, the 289-room InterContinental Presidente features one of the “best beaches in Cancun” (corroborated by a few TripAdvisor reviews). The hotel is affiliated with Club Presidente , a membership club that affords discounted american airlines tickets numerous travel benefits. November rates start at $100USD/night.
Holiday Inn Express Playacar (Playa del Carmen): Located in colorful Playa del Carmen, this hotel is a short distance from the beach and nearby 5 th Avenue (Avenida Quinta) corridor, where you’ll find an array of shopping and nightlife; the hotel offers a free shuttle to anywhere within a 3-mile radius. Complimentary buffet breakfast is offered daily. And don’t miss out on the chance to visit popular adventure park Xcaret, just 5 km away. November rates start at $68USD/night, or get a free night with 15,000 Priority Club points, 10,000+$40 or 5,000 + $70.
Westin Lagunamar Ocean Resort Villas Spa (Cancun): discounted american airlines tickets A selection on Expedia’s discounted american airlines tickets Insider Select List, the beachfront Westin Lagunamar provides plenty of opportunity to soak and siesta—including three beach-facing pools. It’s a great time to visit this property, as its new Heavenly Spa by Westin is opening in December. The resort also hosts many activities, from Mexican cooking lessons to salsa dance to poolside movies. And if you’re itchy to see some Mayan ruins on your vacation, no need to go far: the 1,500-year-old Templo del Alacran edifice is located on resort grounds. November rates start at $139USD/night, or spend 10,000 Starpoints to stay at this Category 4 hotel.
No matter which property you stay at, be sure to take advantage of Starwood’s “Better by the Night” promotion, through which you can earn double Starpoints on eligible stays of 1-2 nights and triple Starpoints on stays of 3+ nights. You can also get 250 points discounted american airlines tickets simply for booking at SPG.com or through a Starwood website, or 500 points for booking through SPG’s iPhone app.
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