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With so many incredible beaches, islands, and travel experiences to choose from, Mexico and the Caribbean are a globetrotter’s dream. They are perfect for last-minute or multi-week getaways. Indeed, Mexico and the Caribbean are almost as perfect as it gets.
Paradise Awaits
From island hopping on an unforgettable cruise to soaking up some well-deserved pampering at an all-inclusive resort, just about anything is possible in Mexico and the Caribbean. To help you find the vacation of your dreams, we’ve picked some of our favourite places to make you feel like you’re worlds away from the everyday.
Tulum, Mexico
Home to some of Mexico’s only waterfront Mayan ruins.
Tulum is one of the most prized jewels of the Mexican Caribbean. Perhaps because of its six miles of gorgeous white-sand beaches and turquoise waters. Nature is present in all its glory through its lagoons and cenotes. A beachfront Mayan archaeological site was once an astrological and trading centre.
Tulu’s eco-chic atmosphere is apparent when you take a walk downtown. It’s located a mere two-and-a-half miles from the coastline. Bars are plentiful here for a casual afternoon drink. You can also find small art galleries, clothing stores, and places that offer well-being treatments, pre-Hispanic rituals, or evening yoga classes on the beach.
Bike rides through the jungle are standard in Tulum and are a great way to explore the area’s natural wonders. Best of all, a bike tour can enhance your experience by taking you to local communities where you can learn about herbal medicine and handcrafting jewelry.
Regarding accommodations, Tulum offers small hotels that blend into the jungle. And they can be as fancy or as rustic as you’d like.
Learn more about our travel partner, Air Canada Vacations.
Dominican Republic
They say the Dominican Republic has it all. This is why it is the Caribbean’s most famous island getaway destination.
Situated just two hours south of Miami, the Dominican Republic is the Caribbean’s second-largest and most diverse island.
Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean to the north and the Caribbean Sea to the south, this lush tropical island paradise boasts nearly 1,000 miles of coastline and 250 miles of the world’s top beaches. It has magnificent resorts, hotels, and various sports, recreation, and entertainment options. Here, you can dance to the pulse-pounding thrill of the merengue, renew in luxurious and diverse accommodations, and explore ancient relics of centuries past. Enjoy delicious Dominican gastronomy or ecotourism adventures throughout magnificent national parks, mountain ranges, rivers, and beaches.
The country overflows with fascinating history, museums, and exciting cultural experiences like music, art, and festivals. It also offers uniquely Dominican specialties such as cigars, rum, chocolate, coffee, and more. Visitors can choose from 26 designer golf courses amid breathtaking coastlines with mountain backdrops and lush green fairways.
The Dominican Republic remains a top destination for romance seekers, including destination weddings. It’s no surprise with so many beautiful natural settings, romantic waterfalls, stunning coasts, and idyllic accommodations.
Discover the best experiences the Dominican Republic has to offer. Check out our article, “Dominican Republic—10 Best Experiences.”
Aruba
Bathed in the warmth of a turquoise sea and cooled by trade winds. Aruba is the happy home to constant sunshine and powdery-soft white-sand beaches.
It may be a tiny island, but a lot of fun and happiness is packed into Aruba’s 70 square miles of paradise. The calming trade winds will keep you cool in the pleasant 82-degree weather. Thanks to its location outside the hurricane belt, visitors can expect reliably great weather throughout the year.
Aruba is the happy home to some of the world’s most pristine and beautiful beaches. You can put your toes in the powdery-soft alabaster sand of world-famous Eagle Beach, snorkel the delicate reefs and shallow waters of Mangel Halto, or treat yourself to the quiet solitude of Baby Beach. Look closely and discover watersport hotspots lined with luxury resorts and secluded coves sandwiched by limestone cliffs.
Just off the beach, there’s much more to explore, from a sea full of life and intriguing shipwrecks to pastel-hued streets lined with shows, shopping, and vibrant nightlife. In fact, Aruba’s nightlife is some of the Caribbean’s best. Beachfront lounges, exciting casinos, and lively clubs make it easy to sip cocktails, share stories, dance, and play until the sun rises again.
Planning a destination wedding? Please read Fairy Tale Wedding Destinations in the Caribbean.
Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Playa del Carmen is the heartbeat of the Mayan Riviera. Its strategic location boasts 75 miles of shoreline in the Mexican Caribbean, which makes this destination an ideal gateway with its beaches, cenotes, and theme parks. Fantastic resorts can be found in many different settings. Including beachside, nestled in the enigmatic jungle, and conveniently located in hip cosmopolitan areas.
The days in Playa del Carmen seem endless. The mornings are ideal for travellers to sunbathe and swim in its turquoise-blue waters. At sunset, downtown restaurants await and feature various cuisines, from traditional Mayan cuisine to international fare. Afterward, you can tour the city’s most emblematic street, Quinta Avenida (Fifth Avenue), well-known for its boutiques, handicraft stores, and bars. Parque Fundidores is a short walk away and features concerts and folkloric shows on its stage, the L’Aquarium aquarium, and the Frida Kahlo Museum.
Playa del Carmen is blessed by nature. So, be sure to join a day trip to walk through the Río Secreto underground cavern. Or to explore the Cobá and Xaman-Há archaeological sites.
Martinique
Stunning beaches border tropical rainforests. And towering cathedrals share the skyline with an imposing volcano.
As a part of France, the beautiful island of Martinique combines the best of European culture with stunning beaches and palm trees. It’s a tropical island, yet it will surprise you with its delectable food and great bread, wine, and cheese imported from France. And, if that’s not enough to tickle your taste buds, Martinique’s distilleries make some of the finest rums in the world.
The island’s biodiversity is remarkable, including its emerald rainforests, tropical flowers, volcanoes, and beaches. More than 60 beaches alone have sand of all colours, from white, golden, and pink to grey and black.
For travellers who prefer a little more action, there are plenty of hikes for a range of fitness levels. Regardless, each hike offers stunning scenery and beautiful views. When the weather’s hot, you can go out and discover tropical forests and refresh yourself with a dip in one of all the rivers. If you want to learn history, the island has museums, galleries, and historical places that will satisfy your curiosity.
Cancun, Mexico
Cancun is recognized throughout the world for its spectacular white-sand beaches. And it’s a fascinating sea of turquoise-blue tones. You can discover unique natural wonders, Mayan culture, water activities, and plenty of adventure during your stay. Venture outside and uncover international cuisines, spectacular golf courses, sophisticated spa facilities, exclusive shopping centres, and handicraft markets. As well as shows, bars and nightclubs that give Cancun its incomparable nightlife.
Cancun has fantastic weather year-round and excellent air and land connectivity. In addition, its first-class hotel infrastructure makes it one of the best destinations for travellers worldwide. While you’re in town, be sure to check out Market 28, located in the centre of the city. Above all, here, you can find an immense amount of food and shopping in a vibrant atmosphere.
Outside of Cancun, travellers can visit Mayan archeological sites such as Chichén Itzá, Cobá, and Muyil. Cancun also provides easy access to other popular destinations in the Riviera Maya. Such as Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Isla Mujeres, and Cozumel.
Written by Matthew Schroeder for TRAVELSAVERS.
Book with Total Advantage Travel & Tours.