by Matthew Marcus

Created on: July 19, 2008   Last Updated: July 21, 2008

There are plenty of people out there who want to go on vacation for a week to do nothing but get drunk and sunburned on really nice beaches. Cancun, Mexico can offer that. In addition, Cancun is also a great staging point for exciting adventures into the jungle that will uncover ancient ruins from native cultures, and for SCUBA and snorkeling trips into pristine barrier reefs.

Cancun generally consists of the really touristy island/peninsula area know as Zona Hotelera, and the slightly more humble Ciudad Cancun, which is set just inland. Cancun's Zona Hotelera is a master-planned community of destination resorts that were set up for wealthy foreign tourists to enjoy. They are meticulously landscaped and offer potable tap water if you are brave enough. Here you can purchase all inclusive packages for eating and drinking, and it is quite possible that you will never see a native that isn't on the clock bringing you a towel or a drink. There are also plenty of clubs that offer dance music, over-priced liquor, and the opportunity to spill your drink on some bridesmaids from Ohio.

The beaches in Zona Hotelera are generally gorgeous, fine white sand beaches with clear warm water. Beaches are technically available for public use, though you may have to walk right through a hotel to get there. The northerly beaches are generally a little bit nicer and have better looking people.

For the more adventurous (i.e. budget travelers), Ciudad Cancun is inland just a few miles and has some more affordable accommodations. The downtown has more local flavor with better restaurants, and some decent hotels. There are still plenty of "touristy" things to do there as well, like buy postcards and visit museums. Picking up a few spanish phrases will help you if you stay in Ciudad Cancun.

While you're staying in Cancun, you can visit any number of archeological sites on the Yucatan peninsula. The most well known, Chichen Itza is a bit of a trek, Tulum is closer, and there are even some ruins right there in town in Zona Archealogico El Rey. There are also tours that will take you into the jungle to see the amazing diversity of wildlife.

As far as snorkeling and diving go, you will have to get on a boat to see anything good. There are plenty of tour companies that will haul you out the barrier reef where you will enjoy warm water 78 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit and colorful fish. There are also several wreck dives available.

Anyway you look at it, you will need flip-flops, bug repellent, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Please bring sunscreen, and then take the step of putting it on before you pass out on the beach. I don't want to see you walking around like a fat lobster with a hat on your second day of vacation. Find somebody from the northern beaches to rub it on you for god's sake, that's the whole fun of it.

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