Mexico
Cancun and the Riviera Maya
Big all-inclusives, easy flights, and the widest choice if you need a room that genuinely sleeps six.
Booking it yourself
Where I book
Same price for you. A small commission for me. That is the whole arrangement.
Plenty of you would rather book it yourselves
That is completely fine, and I would rather help than pretend otherwise. These are the three sites I use for our own trips, so the links below are the same ones I click.
If you book through them I earn a small commission from the site, not from you. You pay exactly what you would have paid anyway. It is what pays for the flights I review, and it is why I can keep saying when somewhere is not worth it.
If you want me to do the work instead, that is free too. I get paid by the supplier, so having me plan and book it costs you the same as doing it yourself, and you get someone in your corner when a flight moves. Tell me about your trip.
Start here
The places we actually go
Each one takes you straight to that destination. Check all three before you book, they rarely agree on price.
Mexico
Puerto Vallarta
Old town charm with resort comfort. Also where I learned how the impound lot works.
Mexico
Progreso
Half the price of Playa del Carmen and barely any tourists. My favourite well-kept secret.
Jamaica
Montego Bay and beyond
Warm people, easy resorts, and short transfers, which matters with tired kids in tow.
Panama
Panama City and the coast
I lived here. Ask me anything, and go before everyone else works it out.
Colombia
Cartagena and the coast
Walled city, real food, and a coastline that does not feel packaged.
Which one to use
Booking.com for resorts and hotels. The best coverage for all-inclusives, and free cancellation on most rooms if your plans wobble.
Airbnb for houses and apartments. Where I look first for a family of six, because hotel rooms rarely sleep us all without booking two.
VRBO for whole homes, especially with a pool. Often has places Airbnb does not, so it is worth the second look.
These are affiliate links. Here is exactly how that works, in plain English.
