Cancun ranks consistently as one of the top ten international destinations for Americans, and is an immensely popular destination for Spring Break. As a travel agent, I always look to bring value and experience to my clients, and so this Spring I personally traveled to Cancun for four days of intense site inspections, gaining as much personal experience as possible. Here you'll find a brief overview of my experience and top things to know before traveling to Cancun.

The airport's convenient location southwest of the hotel zone makes it easy to access several key areas, including the Hotel Zone, Costa Mujeres, Isla Mujeres, Riviera Cancun, Puerto Morelos, Playa del Carmen, and Riviera Maya. To help you navigate these destinations, I've listed them essentially from north to south.

Costa Mujeres, just north of downtown Cancun, is home to many larger resorts and golf resorts, thanks to its ample available land. Nearby, Isla Mujeres is a charming island off the coast of Costa Mujeres. The famous Hotel Zone boasts the best beaches and is known for its tall, narrow resorts, with many visitors venturing out to enjoy the vibrant nightlife.

Riviera Cancun, with its easily accessible resorts along the main highway from the airport, is perfect for those who prefer to stay within the resort. Puerto Morelos offers calm waters but has less appealing beaches. Moving further south, Playa del Carmen has better beaches, though sargassum can be an issue, and the water isn't as calm. However, it features an up-and-coming vibrant downtown area and is conveniently located for trips to Chichen Itza and Tulum.

Riviera Maya refers to the less densely populated stretch of coast between Playa del Carmen and Tulum, filled with numerous resorts. Recently, Tulum has become a highly popular destination, with a new international airport offering nonstop flights from the US. While I didn't get a chance to visit Tulum myself, a fellow agent did and reported back that it might not live up to the hype, but improvements are on the way.

Traveling to Cancun is quite straightforward, especially if you live in South Florida, with dozens of nonstop flights across the country servicing the area. While the new airport in Tulum has begun accommodating passenger flights from several airlines, it might be best to hold off on flying there for now. Fellow agents have reported difficulties in pre-arranging transfers to and from the Tulum airport. Additionally, the airport is not conveniently located, and taxis reportedly charge exorbitant fees for pickups.

For a smoother experience, it's recommended to stick with flying into Cancun until the Tulum airport becomes more established. Before or immediately upon arrival, you'll need to pay the Visitax fee and fill out an entry form at quintanarootax.com. Upon arriving at Cancun International Airport, be prepared for varying experiences at customs. While my own experience was chaotic, others have reported swift processing.

The airport is about 20 minutes from downtown Cancun and the Hotel Zone. Many resorts in the Riviera Cancun area are also reachable within this timeframe. I highly recommend pre-arranging your transfer so you can head straight for your pickup point adn avoid the aggressive taxi drivers and car rental salespeople.

Much of the Hotel Zone is walkable, and if you are outside of walking distance the buses are cheap and easy to catch. Isla Mujeres can be explored easily by bike in less than two hours. If you're in the heart of Playa del Carmen, such as at the Hilton Playa del Carmen, it is very walkable. Outside of these areas, you will need pre-arranged transport or tours, or a rental car.

On that note, I don't particularly recommend renting a car. Navigating the Hotel Zone can be frustrating due to poorly marked resorts and frequent U-turns. Downtown Cancun is overwhelming, much like driving in a bustling city, while driving to and from Playa del Carmen can be outright scary. The intersections and ramps are confusing and potentially dangerous, which is saying something coming from a South Floridian! Additionally, you may encounter random security checkpoints where officers conduct ID checks and searches.

While my schedule limited my activities, Cancun offers an abundance of options to cater to every traveler's interests. Here are some highlights to consider:

Explore Mayan Ruins Delve into the rich history of the Mayan civilization by visiting archaeological sites near Cancun. Chichen Itza stands out as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, featuring the iconic El Castillo pyramid and intricate stone carvings that reflect Mayan astronomical knowledge. For a quieter experience, venture to Tulum, where ancient ruins perch atop cliffs overlooking the turquoise Caribbean Sea, offering breathtaking panoramic views.

Visit Ecological Parks Cancun boasts several eco-parks that seamlessly blend natural beauty with cultural experiences. Xcaret is a beloved destination where you can swim in underground rivers, snorkel in crystal-clear cenotes, and witness traditional Mexican performances that celebrate the region's heritage. Alternatively, Xel-Ha beckons with its natural aquarium setting, ideal for snorkeling amid diverse marine life or simply relaxing in the serene surroundings of this eco-friendly park.

Enjoy Water Sports and Activities Dive into Cancun's pristine waters and explore the Great Mesoamerican Reef, the second-largest barrier reef system on Earth. Snorkelers and divers can marvel at the reef's vibrant marine life and impressive coral formations, or visit the underwater museum, MUSA, where over 500 submerged sculptures create a surreal underwater gallery. Thrill-seekers can opt for exhilarating activities like jet-skiing and parasailing, while those seeking tranquility can paddleboard or kayak along the coastline. Consider a leisurely catamaran cruise to Isla Mujeres for a perfect blend of sailing, snorkeling adventures, and exploration of the island's scenic beauty and local culture.

Unwind at Your Resort After a day of exploration, indulge in relaxation at your resort. Whether you prefer a rejuvenating spa session, lounging on pristine beaches, or participating in engaging poolside activities, Cancun's resorts offer a perfect retreat to unwind and recharge amidst luxurious surroundings.

Cancun's diverse array of activities ensures that every traveler finds something memorable to experience, whether immersing in ancient history, enjoying nature's wonders, indulging in thrilling adventures, or simply relaxing in paradise.