Cancun Vacations

It's true that tourists fill Cancun and its happening Hotel Zone, but for good reason. Flights are cheap, the beaches are the best this close to U.S. soil and there is plenty of outdoor action. While partying is synonymous with this spring break hot-spot, plenty of quiet, couples-only resorts claim a strip of sand. Families take to the Mayan ruins, water parks and dolphin swims.

With the comforts and commercial temptations of home, Cancun is a good place to get your international feet wet, and between sunning all day and dancing all night, you can sleep on the plane back home.

Orbitz reveals the best of Cancun travel with the best time to go, top 10 attractions and insider gems.

If you find a great deal and can snag a few days off, pack a carry-on and boogie down to Cancun any time. Weather-wise, Cancun has a monopoly on warm sunshine year round. June through November is hurricane season, which peaks in September and October.

You'll find flocks of sun-worshippers at Christmas and Easter, and spring break crowds each March. It's wet and hot from May to November, but prices dip and crowds are few. Cancun regulars swear by January and February for ideal weather.

Grab a taxi for a taste of Paris in residential Cancun. The small, family-owned restaurant in a converted house oozes romance over an array of French classics. A tri-lingual staff provides formal service. Dress to the nines and reserve a seat on the terrace.

Local journalists relax over breakfast or lunch on the simple terrace at this hideout behind city hall. The coffee is good and strong and the dinner menu is authentic.

Slip into Roots Jazz Club for late-night beats or El Capucino for live local reggae on Margaritas near Azucenas. Despite its location in Hotel Plaza Kokai, Bar Bohemio El Camarote is a cozy haunt that feels lesser-known with its small stage and decent bands.

Kids love to climb the remains of a small Mayan settlement at the El Rey ruins, oblivious to its age, dating back to 10th century A.D. Bring fruit and feed the hundreds of sunning iguanas. El Meco is quiet, naturally shaded and tranquil enough for a picnic among the 14 structures or at nearby Isla Blanca, a local beach. Both are a reasonable drive from the Hotel Zone.

Practice your Spanish … and your haggling skills. Pottery, blankets, hats, jewelry, clothing and local crafts mix with fresh meat, fish shops and fruit stands at this very local market. Bring cash, preferably pesos.