One of the biggest resort cities in Mexico, Cancun offers white sandy beaches, fantastic nightlife in the “Corazone,” and shopping galore. With so much to do, it’s easy to see why it’s such a popular destination for honeymooners.
What to See and Where to Stay
Boutique hotel Casa Turquesa (888-528-8300) caters especially to couples, making it perfect for honeymooners. They have patios or balconies with private jacuzzis, a beach-front pool with a swim-up bar, and a beautiful stretch of beach for a relaxing retreat. If you’re on a budget, check out the Sina Suites (998-883-1017). Though not on the beach, it’s got views of the Bojorquez Lagoon; plus, each suite includes a kitchenette and sitting room.
Cancun’s beaches and nightlife are among its biggest draws, but there’s much more to the city than just what you’ll find on the “7” (the main part of Cancun, so called because of its geographical shape). Head to Ciudad Cancun (also known as “Downtown”) for a stroll up Avenida Tulum (where you’ll find plenty of interesting shops and inexpensive restaurants to explore). Take a trip to see the nearby ruins of Mayan cities at El Meco and El Rey; the latter boasts an impressive iguana colony. Another option: Book an adventurous day-trip -- think swimming with whale sharks or getting up close with baby sea turtles. EcoColors (866-978-6225) offers these nature-inspired expeditions, plus many more.
The Best Time to Go
The week before Christmas through the day after Easter is the high season for Cancun and other Yucatan destinations -- in particular, holidays and spring breaks are especially busy. This, however, is the time of year when you’ll get some of the best weather (and calmest seas, which is key if you plan on snorkeling or scuba diving). May through October is the rainy season, which isn’t unbearable on the coast but can make for intense humidity inland. In the late summer and early fall, hurricanes can be an issue. If you’re planning your honeymoon for these months, trip insurance is a good idea in case Mother Nature causes you to cancel your plans.
Though festivals and events occur year-round in Cancun, none are particularly disruptive -- with so many hotels and resorts, there are usually enough rooms to go around. If you’re interested in finding out more about what might be going on during your honeymoon, contact the Cancun Visitors Bureau (011-52-998-881-2745).
The Best Ways to Save
Consider combining your airfare and hotel. Cancun’s hotels tend to be pricey, but packages that combine travel and lodging can help you save. Package deals can often be found online through travel websites and also through the airlines themselves. Also, when you’re pricing hotels, be sure to find out what’s included -- meals, gratuity, or other costs may be added as well as Cancun’s 10 percent value added tax (VAT). Even though it’s 5 percent lower than in other destinations in Mexico, the VAT can still add up to a decent chunk of change, particularly at the more expensive resorts.
If you’re catching a cab to get around, it may make more sense to walk over to a lower-priced hotel first. Taxis charge different rates depending on where they’re picking up, and they tend to be the highest at the most expensive hotels (locals generally pay about half what tourists pay). Another option: Take the public buses, which are air-conditioned and run 24 hours a day in the Hotel Zone. It’s an easy way to explore Cancun -- no rental car required.
-- Kate Wood
http://weddings.weddingchannel.com/top-honeymoon-destinations/mexico-honeymoon-vacations/articles/Honeymoon-Essentials-Cancun.aspx