Tulum has become a sought-after destination for luxury travelers in the last decade, but it still entices bargain hunters who remember when this tucked-away jewel of Mexico's east coast was more of a secluded getaway. When the sun goes down, you'll be able to partake in the city's mixology scene and explore its expansive nightlife. Tulum, on the other hand, truly shines during the day. Some of the best-preserved Mayan ruins can be found here, with the cerulean waters of the Caribbean Sea as a backdrop.

There are also several cenotes (underground water-filled caverns) and bio reserves that are out of this world. Not to mention Tulum's main attraction for most visitors is its beaches. White sand beaches and turquoise waters entice visitors to spend their days lazing in the sun and listening to the waves. Whether you like the beach or not, visiting one of Tulum's many beaches is a must.

Tulum is best visited between November and December. You'll benefit from post-hurricane season breezes, and the hotel rates are reasonable. Not to say that reasonable room rates are difficult to come by at other times of the year – this small pocket of the Yucatán has one of the most diverse price points on Mexico's Caribbean coast. If you're worried about crowds, stay away from the region from January to March. Avoid June, September, and October for the best weather. These months have the most rainfall.

Along the Yucatán Peninsula, Playa del Carmen has carved out its own Euro-chic niche. Sophisticated ex-pats and vacationing Europeans relax at the beachside lounges, adding to this small enclave's growing reputation as the place to see and be seen in Quintana Roo. El Zócalo is the area's nerve center, and like in Mediterranean beachfront towns like Nice, the funky little public square is within walking distance of the beach.

La Quinta Avenida, which runs parallel to the beach and just off the square, has several blocks of delicious eateries and quirky shops. And, with its proximity to the ancient ruins of Tulum and an abundance of natural landscapes to explore (such as Rio Secreto, Xel-Há, and the underwater depths of the Caribbean Sea), Playa del Carmen appeals to both history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts. Of course, Playa's swaths of white sand and brilliantly turquoise water entice even the most discriminating beachgoers. Cancun is a bygone era of Mexican vacations; today's savvy beachgoers prefer the cosmopolitan "Playa".

The best time to visit Playa del Carmen is between April and May when the beach is less crowded. Temperatures during the day range between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, dropping slightly in the evenings. From October to March, the weather is generally dry and mild. Summer days and nights are characterized by high temperatures and humidity. Hurricane season lasts from June to September, so make sure to check weather forecasts and hurricane warnings before planning your trip.

Cancun is nothing if not tenacious. Consider the devastation caused by Hurricane Wilma in 2005, which drowned beaches, destroyed storefronts, and capsized boats. However, this skinny "7"-shaped barrier island in southeastern Mexico is now a popular destination for beaches, golf, and nightlife. Cancun is also one of the least expensive vacation destinations in the Western Hemisphere, particularly if you book a cruise.

Cancun's beaches are fantastic places to try out Jet Skiing and parasailing. If you want to venture beyond Cancun, the city's best-guided tours offer day trips to idyllic locations such as Isla Mujeres and Isla Contoy. There are also a variety of after-hours activities, such as acrobatic dance performances at the Coco Bongo Cancun. This area is also close to one of Mexico's most recognizable sites – don't miss out on seeing Chichén Itzá, a large Mayan archaeological site that is one of the world's new Seven Wonders.

During the peak season, the best time to visit Cancun is from December to April. Despite the increased crowds, you'll enjoy near-perfect weather and some of the best deals on flights and hotel rooms for a winter beach vacation. Just try to avoid visiting between mid-March and early April, when spring breakers descend on the Yucatán's shores. There are also significant discounts in the late spring, summer, and fall, but the summers in Cancun are hot and humid, and the fall months are prone to storms.

The clear turquoise waters and powdery sands of Cozumel entice visitors from cold winter climates to this 185-square-mile island off the Yucatán Peninsula. Cruise ships are a constant feature of Cozumel's coastal views, and tourist chatter frequently interrupts the atmosphere on this charming island. In fact, Cozumel's allure is so strong that the shopping plazas along the waterfront remain crowded for much of the year.

However, the crowds should not deter you from exploring what this tiny Yucatán island has to offer, especially since Cozumel's true allure is located far from the downtown area. You can hire a fishing or diving charter boat to explore the shallow reefs along the coast (this is arguably one of the best diving destinations in the world), take a glass-bottom boat tour around the island, or simply relax on a quiet beach. Once the cruise ships have disembarked, you should head to a local bar for some live music and the real scoop on this tiny island.

Cozumel is best visited between March and June when the daytime highs are around 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Winters are slightly cooler, with temperatures ranging from the upper 60 degrees F to the lower 80 degrees F, so bring layers. The rainy season lasts from late summer to early fall, and hurricanes have been known to wreak havoc on the island.

This UNESCO World Heritage-listed city is filled with ornate colonial buildings, bustling plazas, and brightly colored homes. Guanajuato is famous for its underground streets and tunnels, which you can explore on a walking tour or on your own time. After admiring the city's cobblestone streets and charming architecture, stop by the bustling Mercado Hidalgo for a souvenir or a bite to eat.

Guanajuato grew as a result of the abundant minerals in the mountains surrounding it. The city is home to the Mummy Museum, which houses naturally mummified bodies discovered in the municipal cemetery between the mid-nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. It also hosts the Festival Internacional Cervantino, which attracts artists and performers from around the world as well as Mexico. Guanajuato was the site of the first battle of the Mexican War of Independence, which took place at the Alhóndiga de Granaditas between newly assimilated Mexican insurgent warriors and royalist troops.

Mexico City is one of the world's most vibrant and populous cities, with a renowned arts and culture scene (an entire district has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and some of the best cuisines in the Western Hemisphere. Even better, Mexico City is inexpensive – and safer than you might think. It promises visitors an unforgettable stay, making it ideal for the budget-conscious, culture-loving traveler who feels at ease in a large, crowded place. Some say that if you want the full experience, you should stay in the city for at least a week to see the majority of the historic and popular sights. Even after a week, there will be plenty more to discover. To summarize, it's best to plan thoroughly before diving in.

Tenochtitlan, founded in 1325, was colonized by the Spanish in 1521 and later dubbed "Mexico". Its pre-colonial history is alive and well in much of the modern-day capital, despite the fact that it is nearly 500 years old. The city is brimming with opportunities to learn about the country's rich and conflicted history.

Mexico City is best visited between March and May, even though the streets are very crowded at this time of year. Your trade-off is beautiful weather, which is especially welcome given that the city's winters can be chilly and summers can be rainy. You should prepare for the high elevation – Mexico City is about 7,382 feet above sea level – by drinking plenty of water, slathering on sunscreen, and taking it easy (and limiting alcohol consumption) for the first few days.

Puebla is the place to go for a vacation full of authentic character. This colonial city, located about 85 miles southeast of Mexico City, is densely packed with churches, but its main draws are its stunning Talavera pottery and sweet and spicy cuisine. Visitors should try the mole poblano (made with a variety of ingredients such as chiles, meat, chocolate, cinnamon, and garlic) and chiles en nogada (chiles stuffed with beef and served with a walnut sauce and fruit like peaches, apples and pomegranate seeds). When the sun goes down, head to Callejón de los Sapos to hear live music.

Cultural events in the state include Cinco de Mayo, the Ritual of Quetzalcoatl, Day of the Dead celebrations (particularly in Huaquechula), and Carnival (especially in Huejotzingo). It is home to five major indigenous groups: Nahuas, Totonacs, Mixtecs, Popolocas, and Otomi, who are mostly found in the state's far north and far south.

Colonial streets lined with shade trees, vibrant markets brimming with artisans, and mouthwatering aromas wafting from market food stalls and trendy eateries can all be found here. Many people now believe that Oaxaca is Mexico's newest culinary capital. But that doesn't mean the city has forgotten its rich history, which dates back to the ancient Zapotecs who once lived in the now-preserved ruins of Monte Albán. Indeed, many of the handicrafts and recipes that make Oaxaca such an interesting place to visit and shop have been passed down from generation to generation.

If you want to stretch your legs for a hike and dip in the mineral baths at Hierve el Agua or wander the agave fields at a Mitla mezcal distillery, there are plenty of options for day-trip excursions – and a slew of dependable tour operators to guide you.

The months of April to May and September to October are ideal for visiting Oaxaca. Spring and fall are both marked by mild temperatures and fewer tourists. The high season is defined as the months of June and August, as well as the holiday season from mid-December to early January. Except for a few weeks during the winter holidays, the winter months – November to March – are generally considered low seasons.

This is more than just a beach vacation. Puerto Vallarta – also known as "Vallarta" or simply "PV" – manages to maintain a small-town atmosphere while boasting one of Mexico's most unique and sophisticated oceanfronts. The dining options and hotel options reflect more of the same – both elegance and efficiency are intertwined within the hotel and restaurant areas.

Most people associate Puerto Vallarta with its boundaries – the Banderas Bay that snakes along the coast or the palm tree-lined Sierra Madre mountains that stand tall in the east – but Puerto Vallarta is more than just its scenery. Take some time to sample the delicious food, discover a hidden boutique in the Zona Romantica, sip a signature cocktail at a bar along the Malecón, or dance to a salsa beat in a Havana-style nightclub. Sign up for one of the best Puerto Vallarta tours if you want to venture beyond your resort. If you enjoy cruising, you'll be pleased to know that deals to this destination are available all year.

The months of April and June are ideal for visiting Puerto Vallarta because the weather is pleasant and the room rates are reasonable. Rain is scarce during these months, and there are fewer tourists than during the winter high season. However, if you want to go whale watching, you should go between December and March.

Cabo San Lucas first drew Hollywood's elite as a luxurious respite from the "dregs" of show business in the 1970s. The town's seedy reputation shifted as world-class resorts established themselves here, in neighboring San José del Cabo, and along the 18-mile stretch of highway that connects the two (known as "the Corridor"). The development of an international airport in the 1980s made it easier for visitors from all over the world to take a nonstop flight to the "Los Cabos" area.

Forty years later, this destination on Baja California's southernmost tip is still known for its decadence – just look at the sprawling golf courses or deluxe villas. But the elitist pretensions have faded: days at the spa are as sought after as evenings at a beachside watering hole. And there's a good chance you'll see celebs and college freshmen sunbathing next to each other on the same stretch of sand.

The best time to visit Cabo is between May and June when the winter crowds have dispersed and the summer storms have yet to arrive. October and November are also good months to go on vacation, but you'll need to start looking for hotels early if you want to save money. It's possible that you're not visiting the beach: If you want to go whale watching, go between mid-December and mid-April. If you enjoy fishing, try to visit in the late summer or fall.