With miles of crystal clear waters, white sandy beaches, and a culture steeped in history, it's no surprise that the Yucatán Peninsula is home to main travel destinations like Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Tulum.
The area that separates the Gulf of Mexico from the Caribbean Sea constantly captivates globetrotters – ranking year after year in Google's top 10 summer destinations – and now “Good Morning America” has made the trip on the cheap. cost, finding all the best deals and ways to save for the Bucket List on a budget.
Young woman riding a scooter on the island of Cozumel.
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Flights to Cancun
Round-trip airfare from Houston to Cancun typically costs around $200 on airlines like Frontier or Spirit this time of year, but you'll pay extra for baggage.
Budget Travel Tip: Make sure you set up a tracker on Google Flights to keep tabs on the best times to travel cheaply, and especially if you can be flexible on dates.
Aerial view of Coba Beach in Quintana Roo, Mexico.
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All-inclusive resorts to help you save on your stay
Mexico is home to a plethora of beautiful properties, but the best value for money when it comes to lodging are all-inclusive resorts.
“All-inclusive resorts can be extremely affordable. And the best part is, they allow families to stay on budget,” Brian Kelly, founder of The Points Guy, told “GMA.”
To ensure you get the best deal, he suggested “compare prices online with online travel agencies, but when you choose the one you want, contact them directly and negotiate an even better rate and benefits additional services such as airport pick-up. “
Tulum beach and Mayan temple ruins by the Caribbean Sea, Yucatan, Mexico.
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“Choose the right resort, whether it’s kid-friendly or adults-only,” Kelly said, “making the right choice is critical to your experience.”
“Finally, enjoy all that there is to offer,” he said. “Go to the orientation session and pay attention. You would be shocked at some of the free and valuable activities you can enjoy as part of your stay.”
In Playa del Carmen, Sandos Caracol Eco Resort is offering up to 55% off the best available rate all summer, and two children stay free.
As with many all-inclusive packages, food and drinks are included in the price at Sandos Caracol, as are activities, from swimming pools with water slides to bike rides.
A woman snorkeling in the cenote El Eden along the Riviera Maya in Mexico.
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This region of Mexico is also home to magnificent ancient Mayan ruins and cenotes – which translates to good – and the all-natural cavernous pit makes a great place for swimming, diving and snorkeling.
Activities to enjoy the region like a local
Book off-site excursions during your stay, either directly through the resort with affiliates or by speaking directly to a tour company and ask for potential discounts.
Tulum tours reveal ancient history
Nestled on the cliffs of Tulum are ancient Mayan ruins overlooking the Caribbean Sea.
Tour services will take visitors through the region to fully experience ancient Mexican culture, such as the ruins built over 800 years ago that served as a major port between Mexico and Central America.
Parks & Entertainment in Playa del Carmen
Take a trip to Parque Los Fundadores – Park of the Founding Fathers – in Playa Del Carmen to see free and dynamic shows such as the Danza de Los Voladores – the dance of the flyers.
From there, do some local shopping along Fifth Avenue, but don't forget to bring cash and do money conversions at a local bank from home before the trip to save on foreign transaction fees.
Learn at least basic Mexican phrases and jokes to make shopping less intimidating. Plus, being respectful and kind always pays off and could potentially even help you haggle over prices.
Savor Mexican Street Food
While there is unlimited free food at an all-inclusive resort, don't miss the opportunity to eat like a local and discover inexpensive eats at taco stands and street vendors.
Like the tacos for less than $2 each at El Fogon in Cancun or dessert stands like Fresas Aline in Playa del Carmen that sells fresh strawberries and cream for just $4.
Fun family fun aboard a pirate ship
The Captain Hook pirate show in Cancun, featuring dancing, sword fighting and pirate battles, offers deals of up to 20% on advance bookings and children ages 2-11 get free access.
Additionally, all dinner options come with a buffet and some of the main courses are part of a two-for-one deal.
GMA Travel Choices
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