Mexico All Inclusive Resorts

Cancun -- in the northeast of the Yucatan peninsula, with shores on the Caribbean Sea-- is Mexico's tourism powerhouse, and its 25-kilometre Hotel Zone of double waterfront (ocean and lagoon) is known for night-life, shops, and restaurants. Cancun also has many resorts that welcome families, and is a convenient launch-pad for day-trips in the Mayan Riviera to the south.

The "Mayan Riviera" south of Cancun, is a top spot for families for two reasons: many all inclusive resorts offer watersports and kids' programs; meanwhile, outside the resorts, the 130 km coast from Cancun to Tulum offers fun and fascinating activities. Highlights include the second-largest barrier coral reef in the world; unique "eco-archeological" theme park Xcaret; lagoons full of colorful fish; cenotes" (natural pools of clear water-- lovely to swim in); fascinating Mayan ruins.

Los Cabos -- at the tip of the long Baja California peninsula on the west side of Mexico-- has many resorts that suit families. Two "Cabos" ("Capes") -- San Jose del Cabo, and party-town Cabo San Lucas-- are connected by a 17-mile "Corridor" with resorts and golf courses. The area has some good snorkeling, whale-watching in winter, and sightseeing in the artists' town of Todos Santos. Watch out, though: due to waves and undertows, few beaches are swim-able.