Cancun

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.