CANCUN, MEXICO

True enough, there is a host of night clubs and bars for the more nocturnal of folk, but Cancun can quite easily accommodate those who want nothing more than a relaxing holiday soaking up solar rays on the beach. Of course there is room for something in between too.
The beaches on the island of Cancun, together with the turquoise Caribbean Sea, make the place special. Fine white sand (that doesn't get hot even in the searing midday heat), and warm clear waters make being a beach bum a real option. But for those who want a bit more there is plenty to go at.

Contoy is Mexican national park island that is a sanctuary to a host of wild birds. Just a couple of hours boat trip way Contoy is a peaceful, beautiful place where Mother Nature must have smiled on, beautiful bird life with the coral reef just a few hundred metres away.

Water sports really are a feature of Cancun. Wind surfing, and jet skiing is popular, as is parasailing. Parasailing is an unusual experience, starting with the take off. It seems so chaotic as the boat that your parachute is attached to starts to move and you are thrust into the air, wind blowing in your face as you climb higher and higher.

Many tourists from the U.K. go on "all inclusive" packages when they stay in Cancun, and it's no real surprise when you see the standard of hotel that are on offer. Most hotels are right on the beach, (although some face the lagoon) and have at least one swimming pool. All meals, snacks, drinks and entertainment are included, so it possible to have a great holiday and not leave the grounds of the hotel.

Thirty years ago Cancun was a tiny undeveloped fishing village, but when developers moved in at the behest of the Mexican government, hotels were built, and they built big. Because of this there seems plenty of room, not having hotels right on top of each other, a even though the buildings are spread out, no-where is ever too far away because of the excellent bus service.

Whilst the lost city of Chichen Itza is a three of four our drive inland, it is still worth a visit, as it is probably the most impressive Mayan site in Mexico. On arrival you will feel the temperature increase, as there is not the cool Caribbean breeze you find in Cancun. Stretching 30 metres high is the Temple of Kukulcan is the first and maybe most impressive sight to see. This is the pyramid which you have seen hundreds of times before in guide books and the like, but seeing for the first time is something else.

You don't have to visit any tourist attractions to get out and about though. The restaurants, bars, and shopping malls are worth taking a look at. Even if you stay all inclusive, it is still nice to have a meal or two during your stay, and the variety of places to eat is vast. Cuisines from all around the world are available, from burger bars to heath food diners; the choice is yours as familiar places like Planet Hollywood mix side by side with small Tex-Mex cantinas.

While a certain portion of holidaymakers head off to the bars,
many of the more, shall we say mature visitors head off to the malls for a spot of shopping. Complexes similar to those at Merry Hill or Trafford are scattered around the island, which are an oasis of cool air on sticky humid night. Air-conditioned and spotlessly clean, the Playacol and the Kukulcan malls, sell a wide range of souvenirs at reasonable prices, with tee shirts and silver jewellery among the most popular purchases. True enough, you can buy goods from beach sellers or from the market, but then there is no guarantee with what you buy, so for buying silver it's probably best to make sure it is authentic and buy it from a respectable jeweller in one of the malls.

On the whole, Cancun would seem to be a place where all sorts of different types can go and enjoy a vacation there. Great beaches, wonderful examples of Mayan culture, superb hotels, high quality service, excellent shopping and nightlife that rocks. All this plus hot sunny weather, and in the main very friendly people who like to chat.
Go to Cancun, or anywhere in Mexico for that matter, and you will be sure take at least a part of it to your heart.