Cancun is paradisebut there are a few insider rules you’ll want to follow to make your trip stress-free. These are the dos and don’ts I’ve learned from traveling here 2x a year since I was a kid.
Sections
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🌴 Do’s (Travel Tips)
🌴 Don'ts (Travel Tips)
🎒 Travel Must-Haves
🎒 What to Pack for a 5-Day, 6-Night Resort Stay
🏝 Resorts I’ve Stayed At
🌟 Barceló Riviera Maya Resort (My Fave!)
🌴 Do’s (Travel Tips)
You MUST protect your skin! Being closer to the equator = being closer to the sun. Apply, reapply, APPLY AGAIN
Sunscreen 70 SPF
Airport taxis are crazy expensive and once you get through Customs it can be very chaotic navagating through the crowd. A shuttle or private transfer is cheaper & stress-free. Book with Cancun Shuttle before you leave and you will have someone in...
Transportation from Airport ----> Hotel - Cancun shuttle
Remember to ALWAYS tip for your service! From the moment you get in the shuttle until the moment you leave. Now, you DO NOT have to exchange your US Dollars for Pesos. They will gladly accept US currency wherever you stay. I would recommend taking $1...
Tipping for Service
You will need a card to be on file when you check in to your resort. This is for any possible damages that may occur. Don't worry because you will get it returned once you check out
Bring a Credit Card or Debit Card for deposit
There will be pop up vendors throughout your resort for souvenirs. You CAN haggle but remember this is their job so be respectful. Extra tip!! DO NOT BUY FROM THE RESORT GIFT SHOP unless absolutely necessary
Haggle Respectfully
Learn or at least understand basic Spanish. Phrases such as greetings, where to find ..., numbers. Most of the resort employees that don't work at the front desk speak very little to no english.
Rosetta Stone
🌴 Don'ts (Travel Tips)
Unless you want to lose 15lbs and be on the toilet for the remainder of your trip... Stay away from drinking the tap water. Even when brushing your teeth. Always stick to bottled or sealed water.
DO NOT Drink the Water
If you’re near jungle areas (like Tulum or cenotes), mosquitos will find you. Especially be weary if you are PREGNANT and traveling to Mexico.
Bug Spray
Don't base your choice of resort on price alone. Location is KEY on what you're wanting for your vacation experience.
The Best All-inclusive Resorts in Cancun from $166 in 2025
🎒 Travel Must-Haves
Packing right makes all the difference in Cancun. These are my must-haves that I never travel without.
waterproof phone pouch
Passport Holder
Perfect for pool days, snorkeling, or cenotes — keeps your phone safe while still letting you take photos.
See the under water sea life that Mexico has to offer
Kids Snorkel Mask
🎒 What to Pack for a 5-Day, 6-Night Resort Stay
Packing smart can make or break your trip. After years of traveling to Cancun, here’s the ultimate list of what to bring for a 5-day, 6-night all-inclusive resort stay — no overpacking required! AND CAN FIT INTO A CARRY ON!
SHUZIA Women's Fashion Comfortable Strap Heeled Sandals - Perfect for Spring and Special Occasions
Obvi in a different color ;)
Women's Square Toe Strap Sandals - Elegant Strappy High Heel Open Toe Dress Sandals for Summer
🏝 Resorts I’ve Stayed At
I’ve stayed all over Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Riviera Maya — here are my honest thoughts on each resort.
Gave this resort it's own section! My go-to resort. I’ve stayed here 10+ times and keep coming back for the food, entertainment, and beachfront.
Barceló Maya Riviera - Hotel Adults only ✅ | From 263$
Beachfront resort with stunning ocean views, multiple pools (including a pyramid-shaped infinity pool), and one of the best golf courses in Cancun. It’s family-friendly with a kids’ water park and Star Camp activities, but also has plenty of adult am...
Iberostar Selection Cancún 5* | All-inclusive hotel in the Caribbean
Music-themed luxury resort with endless entertainment, live shows, and fun vibes. Known for amazing pools, all-inclusive dining, and family-friendly activities. Look Out For: Can get loud and party-heavy — not ideal if you’re looking for quiet relaxa...
Hard Rock All Inclusive Resorts in Cancun
Massive all-inclusive with gorgeous beachfront, multiple pools, and a huge variety of restaurants. Great for families and groups who want lots of options. Look Out For: Resort is spread out — expect lots of walking or shuttles between areas. AWFUL MO...
Grand Palladium Select Costa Mujeres - All-inclusive hotel in Cancun
Affordable all-inclusive with a more laid-back, authentic vibe. Smaller and cozier compared to mega-resorts. Look Out For: Rooms and amenities aren’t as upscale as luxury properties, but good value for the price.
Catalonia Grand Costa Mujeres Hotel - OFFICIAL WEBSITE
Trendy resort with a mix of luxury suites and residence-style stays. Great pools, rooftop lounges, and modern dining — feels more boutique and upscale. Look Out For: Closer to Playa del Carmen, so beaches can be narrower compared to Riviera Maya stre...
The Fives Hotels & Residences | Mexico | Official website
Modern luxury close to the airport — amazing rooms, pools, and dining.
Moon Palace Cancun
Family-friendly, budget-friendly resort with kids’ clubs, water park, and beachfront pools. Good option for affordable all-inclusive fun. Look Out For: Smaller resort compared to others in Cancun; food and room variety are simpler.
Royal Solaris Cancun - All Inclusive Resort Marina and SPA
Known as the ‘party resort’ of Cancun with DJs, beach clubs, and tons of energy. Huge property with nonstop entertainment. Look Out For: Loud and busy — if you want relaxation, this isn’t the spot.
Grand Oasis Cancun all inclusive
My first ever resort I stayed at! Family resort with big kids’ water park, baby club, and family-sized rooms. One of the most kid-focused properties in Cancun. Look Out For: Not luxurious — it’s all about family convenience over style.
Crown Paradise Club Cancun
Large resort with lush grounds, multiple pools, and adults-only sections alongside family areas. A good mix of relaxation and activities. Look Out For: Because of the size, service can feel less personalized.
Grand Riviera Princess Hotel in Riviera Maya
Beautiful beachfront resort right on Playacar’s white-sand stretch. Fun atmosphere with entertainment, great for families and couples alike. Look Out For: Can feel crowded in high season; food options are more standard than gourmet.
Sandos Playacar | Playa del Carmen Resorts All Inclusive
Eco-friendly resort built around cenotes and jungle. Perfect for nature lovers, with monkeys on property and a water park for kids. Look Out For: Rooms are more rustic; beaches here are rockier compared to Cancun.
Sandos Caracol Eco Resort | Playa del Carmen Resorts
🌟 Barceló Riviera Maya Resort (My Fave!)
If you’re only going to pick one resort, Barceló Riviera Maya is it. 6 resorts in 1. 2 miles of beach to explore! Here’s why I’ve stayed here more than 10 times and why I continue to recommend people to this resort.
6 sections to the resort! I've stayed in them all and here's what I think!
Barceló Maya Riviera
Something for everyone — family pools with swim up bars, kids water section at every resort, water sports, pier to feed fish, mall, casino, bowling alley, arcade, go karts, and the list GOES ON
Why I LOVE It!!
When you book with Barcelo you have access to 6 different parts of the resort not including the Adults Only resort. With that being said IF you book with the Adults Only Resort you have access to ALL 6 parts of Barcelo. That's ENDLESS restaurants, po...
5 Resorts in 1. 2 miles of beach to explore!
Best Parts: Stunning modern rooms (all with jacuzzis on the balcony), infinity pools, quieter vibe, upgraded dining with more à la carte restaurants, and the spa. Perfect for couples or kid-free trips. What to Look Out For: This area is pricier, and ...
Barceló Maya Riviera - Hotel Adults only ✅ | From 263$
Best Parts: Direct beachfront access with some of the prettiest stretches of sand on the property, fun poolside activities, and lively entertainment. Great for families who want to be right by the water. What to Look Out For: Rooms here are more “bas...
Barceló Maya Beach 🏨 Hotel in Riviera Maya | From 167$
One of the 2 sections I prefer to stay! Centrally located. You have the PIER, MALL, BOWLING ALLEY, WATER PARK, SPA, etc. This is the pool with the entertainment! Best Parts: Home to the water park with slides and splash areas for kids — total win for families. Also close to the bowling alley, sports bar, and shopping area. What to Look Out For: Because of the water park, this area can feel loud and busy with ...
Barceló Maya Caribe - All Inclusive
Best Parts: Central location with easy access to restaurants and pools. Balanced mix of family-friendly fun and adult activities. It’s a solid middle ground if you don’t want extreme quiet or chaos. What to Look Out For: Rooms are nice but not the mo...
Barceló Maya Colonial | Family hotel in Riviera Maya | From 167$
Best Parts: Shares amenities with Colonial and has beautiful landscaping with lush gardens. Chill vibe compared to Caribe/Beach. Often less crowded at the pools. What to Look Out For: Similar to Colonial, the rooms are a bit dated. Not as many “uniqu...
Barceló Maya Tropical ✅ Hotel in Riviera Maya | From 167$
Best Parts: The luxury option. All-suite rooms, higher-end finishes, exclusive pools, and access to more à la carte dining. Guests here can also access all the other sections. Feels more upscale without leaving the resort. What to Look Out For: This ...
Barceló Maya Palace 🏨 Hotel in Mexico | From 190$
Sounds like a lot of walking right?? IT IS. But they offer around the clock double decker buses that come every 5-10min to take you back and forth
Double Decker Buses
This JUST happened in May 2025. I am upset because it was such a cool thing to be included with your stay. Everyday they would preform at specific times and then for an extra fee you could swim and interact with the dolphins. It was an excursion with...
Authorities Shut Down Dolphinarium at Hotel Barceló
NOW! no dolphins BUT if you plan your trip during the months of July-September, you may be able to see baby see turtles hatch and swim out into the ocean. This is located out by the pier, they are kept safe from any surrounding predator's. If you are...
Discover the incredible world of Mexican sea turtles
For an additional fee you can challenge your family to a race around the track! Guess who the winner was :)
Great go-karting! - Review of Barcelo Maya Colonial - All Inclusive, Riviera ...
For an additional fee you can get a day pass to the waterpark! Bigger/faster water slides, colder pool, and practice your surfing!
Barcelo Maya Colonial - All Inclusive Water Park: Pictures & Reviews
You can find us every night before or after dinner at Strikers! Strikers Sports Bar offers al acarte food! You can watch local sports games (obvi) but for an additional fee families can bowl and have fun in the arcade!
Strikers Sports Bar Restaurant at Barceló Bávaro Palace
Grab some bread in the morning at the buffet and head down to feed the MANY fish at the pier! Or enjoy the excitement of jumping off the pier and swimming with the fish!
The pier in front of the hotel - Picture of Barcelo Coconut Island, Phuket
Local secret! Most don't know but across the street there is a beautiful cenote that you can walk to and enjoy
Cenotes: the veins and arteries of the earth in Riviera Maya
Upgrade to Club Premium for better rooms - own swim up pool, perks - daily use of the spa for an hour and better liquor, and easier dining reservations - make your reservations when you first arrive to get the best options.
Premium Level Hotels | Personalized Service
📍 Areas to Stay
Where you stay can totally change your trip. Each area of Cancun, Playa, and Riviera Maya has its own vibe — here’s the breakdown.
Iconic beaches and nightlife just minutes from the airport — but it’s party-heavy and very touristy.
Everything You Need to Know About The Cancun Hotel Zone
Great for shopping, dining, and a more walkable vibe. Downsides? Beaches aren’t as stunning.
Playa Del Carmen - Discover Hotels, Resorts ...
Instagram-worthy beaches, cenotes, and a laid-back boho vibe. But it’s further from the airport and pricier.
THE 10 BEST Riviera Maya All Inclusive Resorts 2025 (with Prices)
🚤 Excursions You Can’t Miss
Cancun isn’t just about resorts — the excursions here are incredible. These are my favorites, plus tips for booking.
Eco-adventure park with underground rivers, wildlife, and one of the best cultural shows in Mexico.
Xcaret Park
One of the New 7 Wonders of the World. A must-see Mayan ruin — but go early to beat the heat.
Chichén Itzá
Crystal-clear water in underground caves. Perfect for photos and cooling off.
Cenote Swim (Dos Ojos / Gran Cenote)
Rent a golf cart and explore the island, then relax on Playa Norte — one of the prettiest beaches in Mexico.
Isla Mujeres Trips
Adrenaline meets jungle adventure — usually bundled with cenote swims.
ATV, Zipline & Cenote Adrenaline Tour
Sail across turquoise waters, snorkel coral reefs, and spend the day island-hopping.
Catamaran Snorkeling Tour in Cozumel
Get a once in a lifetime experience and swim with dolphins.
Dolphin Discovery: Swim with Dolphins in Mexico & The Caribbean
Drive your own jet boat out into the ocean and stop to snorkel at a beautiful coral reef
Jungle Tour Adventure Cancun Official Website Speedboat & Snorkel
