Cancun, Mexico

Compiled by FatPassport's travel experts

Great for partying and family trips alike
Cancun, Mexico

Many Travelers? Huge Tourist Crowds
Likes: Beautiful beaches, hot weather, great party scene
Dislikes: Little culture, lots of tourists, can get very hot

Like most tropical resorts, people come to Cancun for the beaches, constant hot weather, fun activities and the partying. There are no sights to see in Cancun itself, where it’s all about the beach and the clubs, but you can arrange day trips to some excellent nearby sights and ruins.

For the vast majority of visitors, “Cancun” refers to the Hotel Zone, which consists of a string of hotels lining the beaches. Quality of the beaches varies depending on exactly where you are, but in general they are very good, with nice white sand and beautiful warm water.

The clubs are amazing, most offering drink specials and some good stage shows. If you’re staying at a resort, the entertainment manager can arrange entry and drink cards at a discounted rate…though it may not exactly be cheap. Various other bars and restaurants are good places to cut loose…and most everyone does.

In addition to the beaches, families will enjoy things like swimming with the dolphins. It is a little bit pricey, but a great experience for all ages.

Your time in Cancun can be as expensive or cheap as you want, with plenty of both budget and high-end accommodations, and eating and entertainment options available everywhere.

If you feel the need to do more than lay on the beach or dance the night away, there are some fantastic cultural and archeological sites (eg. Chichen Itza) nearby, and these can be done as a day trip.

The locals tend to be very nice and happy to help.

How long to stay here depends on your appetite for beaches or nightlife, and trips ranging from a few days to a week or more are common.

It can get very hot from June through September, and particularly in July/August. During these times it’s tough to do anything but sit by the pool. Hurricane season runs from June through November, with risk highest August-October, and though Cancun has been hammered by hurricanes in recent years, it’s luck-of-the-draw whether you might get hit with one during these months.

Families should avoid Spring Break (March and April), when the place in flooded with American college students partying like there’s no tomorrow. On the other hand, if you’re looking to partake in the Spring Break scene, then you'll love it here - book well in advance.

Cancun is generally very safe, but use common sense and don’t leave valuables unattended on the beach. Drink only bottled water, and avoid foods that have not been boiled or peeled.

---