With about 140 hotels and four million visitors each year, Cancun is definitely a large tourist destination. The Hotel Zone of Cancun is shaped like a 7 with bridges on each end connecting to the mainland and has a mix of rough coastline and white-sand beaches. There is a broad range of accommodations ranging from relatively inexpensive motel-style facilities in the older section, to high-priced luxury hotels in the newer sections.

There are many all-inclusive hotels that offer activities, entertainment, non-motorized water sports, meals and beverages. Some charge a fee for things like specialty restaurants or discos so make sure you're aware of any restrictions before booking.

You're sure to find something to your liking whether you want to relax in the sun all day and sip Margaritas or visit the exotic sites of Mexico like Chichen Itza and the Mayan Ruins. On the opposite side of the island from the Caribbean Sea is the Nichupte Lagoon, which is used for boating excursions and jet-ski jungle tours.

If you are brave enough to venture outside your resort into downtown, there are less expensive places to shop, including many supermarkets and several flea markets. Downtown also houses a number of American franchises like Office Depot, Walmart, Costco, Blockbuster, and Starbucks. Please be careful if leaving the resort area. I would recommend only using reputable tour companies for sightseeing.

.If it's nightlife you crave then Cancun is definitely the place to be. There are many well-known theme restaurants and clubs in Cancun including DadyO's, a huge club consisting of four stories with each floor playing different types of music. Rave lights and light and entertainment shows fill the rooms as dancers dance the night away on the tabletops.

The weather in Cancun is warm and breezy with temperatures typically between 78 and 97 degrees year-round. Most hotel rooms are air-conditioned for the times when you need a break from the heat. Hurricane season runs from August to November so be weary of what time of year you book and always be prepared. Make sure to bring enough money for emergencies; personalized luggage straps are a great way to identify your belongings should the hotels and airports get a little crazy.

Some great ways to spend your sunny days in Mexico include water-skiing, parasailing, snorkeling, ocean and cave diving, riding Wave-runners or Jet-skis, tennis or golf. If sightseeing is something you are interested in there are plenty of places to explore. Take a trip to the pre-Columbian archaeological site of Chichen Itza in the Yucatan Peninsula south-west of Cancun. However, get there early to avoid the crowds and the hot midday sun. There are also many smaller Mayan Ruins in the area and group tours are available – just ask your travel agent or representative at your hotel.

Things to know before you go:

• you must have a valid passport
• you must have a tourist visa (usually included when purchasing your tickets)
• note any requirements when traveling with a minor
• personalized luggage straps are a great way to identify your luggage
• check with your doctor for any medical requirement like vaccinations

For the latest entry requirements, contact the Embassy of Mexico web site at http://portal.sre.gob.mx/usa/.

Article written by Brodi Mouradian