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Cancun is one of the hottest destinations in 2023, thanks to its splendid tropical weather, miles-long beaches, and unbeatable hospitality. While a getaway to the Mexican Caribbean is a bucket list experience for any sun-loving traveler, visitors need to carefully plan their vacation beforehand to make the most of their valuable time. From finding the best deals on accommodation to booking transfers, here are 5 essential things travelers should do prior to their next Cancun trip.
Find The Best Hotel Deals
With hundreds of hotels and resorts to choose from – not to mention countless online vacation rentals – booking quality accommodation for the right price can seem like a daunting task. Luckily, visitors can use online travel agencies like Booking.com, Tripadvisor, and Expedia to read up on reviews and check prices.
Travelers can choose from a range of accommodations, from modest hotels to luxury all-inclusive, to find a property that suits their travel needs. If you opt for online rentals through platforms like Airbnb, follow these crucial safety tips to avoid scams and other fraud.
If you opt for an all-inclusive, be sure to see our guide for choosing the perfect Cancun all-inclusive this winter.
Check The Forecast
Weather plays a huge role in any vacation, but even more so in warm destinations like Cancun, where beaches and the ocean are the main pastimes for most travelers. It’s a good idea to check the forecast at least 5 days prior to your trip, which will give travelers enough time to modify their itinerary and activities in case of inclement weather.
One thing to keep in mind in Cancun and the Mexican Caribbean is that even on days that call for rain, it is rarely overcast all day. Usually, rain pours for a little while before giving way to a bright and sunny day.
If the weather isn’t looking favorable for a longer period of time, check out the top 5 things to do in Cancun on a rainy day. There are plenty of indoor activities to choose from. Cancun’s Maya Museum is a must-see when in the area, and the resort city is home to several large malls and commercial areas.
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Pay Cancun’s Visitor Fee Online
Cancun implemented a visitor tax in April 2021, after which arriving tourists had to pay around $12 per person upon entry to the popular resort town. Although visitors can choose to pay the tax upon arrival, it can also be conveniently paid online through this website. Doing so can save travelers valuable time after their arrival in Cancun.
Travelers will also have to pay an additional environmental fee which will be added to their hotel bill, and it cannot be paid in advance.
Pre-Book Your Activities In Advance
Cancun offers countless fun activities and excursions for travelers to enjoy. From guided city tours to island getaways, tours are one of the best ways to soak in Cancun’s stunning natural, historical, and cultural beauty. Instead of booking their activities in Cancun, travelers can conveniently use websites like Tripadvisor and Viator to craft their travel itinerary.
Some of the top excursions to check out in Cancun this year include Isla Mujeres, Chichen Itzá (one of the most important Maya ruins), as well as dolphin swimming.
Plan How To Get Around
With limited public transport options – at least until the Maya Train is complete – travelers should carefully consider how they plan to get from point A to point B in Cancun. First things first: look for transfer options to and from the airport. While taxis are a convenient option, most resorts offer free shuttle transfers – a safer and cost-free choice.
The most convenient and stress-free way to get from the airport to your hotel is likely going to be a pre-arranged airport transfer. By booking ahead, you already know someone will be waiting for you with your name on a sign, and you can ignore everyone else in the airport trying to convince you they are your ride. Airport transfer will always be waiting outside the airport, so be sure to walk past anyone else inside the airport claiming they are your ride. They are typically timeshare salesmen trying to rope you into a presentation.
Finally, after years of legal roadblocks, Uber, the ultra-popular ride-sharing platform, was finally granted permission to operate legally in Cancun. That being said, hotels and other businesses can still block the app from working in certain areas, including the airport. So, it is best to continue booking pre-arranged airport transfers ahead of your flight in until it is proven Uber will be able to operate in the vicinity of the airport.
Plan Your Next Cancun Vacation:
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Plan Your Next Cancun Vacation:
Traveler Alert: Don’t Forget Travel Insurance For Your Next Trip!
Choose From Thousands of Cancun and Riviera Maya Hotels, Resorts and Hostels with Free Cancellation On Most Properties
↓ Join the community ↓
The Cancun Sun Community FB group has all the latest travel news, conversations and tourism Q&A’s for the Mexican Caribbean
Subscribe to our Latest Posts
Enter your email address to subscribe to The Cancun Sun’s latest breaking news affecting travelers, straight to your inbox.