Winter Vacation Ideas by Region

By Teresa Plowright, About.com Guide

All inclusive resorts are a popular choice for family getaways in Mexico, in several hotspots:

• Cancun: on the Caribbean east coast of Mexico; giant Hotel Zone; Mayan Riviera attractions are within day-trip distance.

• Mayan Riviera: many all-inclusives, south of Cancun; plus Mayan ruins, coral reef, snorkeling lagoons, and Xcaret and other eco-theme parks

To highlight a few choices:

• Avalon Reef Club: near busy Cancun but on its own private islet on laid-back Isla Mujeres; gentle beaches, near a friendly town.
• The Xpu Ha Palace: an hour south of Cancun; tropical grounds in style of an "eco-park"; thatched-roof bungalows; snorkeling in a cove; two zero-entry pools.
• Iberostar Playa Paraiso: giant five-resort complex 30 minutes south of Cancun. Tropical setting with birds, iguanas, even monkeys; pool complex with lazy river, wave pool, kids' pool; latest resort is highest in luxury.

Los Cabos --on the Baja California peninsula, on the west side of Mexico-- is another area for all-inclusives. Los Cabos ("The Capes") has year-round warm weather, white sand beaches, good snorkeling beaches, nearby coral reef. Activities include horseriding, and sightseeing in the artists' town of Todos Santos.

Riviera Nayarit

More: Best Places to go in Mexico, for Families - this area north of Puerto Vallarta includes all inclusive and other resorts on 68-km Banderas Bay and some top luxury properties in Punta Mita just north of the Bay.

-continue to Winter Vacations in the Caribbean