May 23, 2003 -- Cancun in summer? If you like it hot and healthy, this is the place to go. You can live in your swimsuits from early morn to late at night, even in some discos, in fact. You can stay at an all-inclusive resort, eating in any of several dining spots (though you may have to get dressed for some), lay back and laze about, or run all day in one or another of the many activities provided. With some quite cheap offers, it's ideal for family-oriented vacations.
Here's a roundup of current deals to that manmade Mexican madness that is Cancun:
Northwest Airlines World Vacations has four-night deals at the TucanCun Beach resort, starting at just $642 per person, with kids 12 and under staying and eating free. All meals and beverages are included, as are most activities. The packages are marketed as Worry-Free Vacations, and there are 25 resorts to choose from, with nearly 40% off normal all-inclusive resort prices at locations in Cancun (as well as Cozumel, Puerto Vallarta and the Mayan Riviera). Booking and travel dates vary, with most deals available from now through the end of August, 2003.
Gateway cities for Cancun Worry-Free Vacations include Denver, Dallas/Ft. Worth and Detroit. Similar World Vacations packages can be had from Minneapolis/St. Paul, Oklahoma City, St. Louis and most cities served by Northwest Airlines, including non-stop service from Memphis.
For Northwest Vacations, visit their websites, www.worryfreevacations.com or www.nwaworldvacations.com.
MexSeaSun, which uses Mexicana Airlines, says you can save from $100 to $300 if you book with them by May 31, 2003, for vacations departing from now through August 31, 2003. To get the savings, mention promo code MSSSUMMER when booking. Even without these savings, prices are reasonable for their packages, which can be found at www.mexseasun.com or by phoning 866/2MEXSEA (same as 866/263-9732). In Spanish, phone 888/829-0801. (Mexicana, by the way, says it is the oldest operating airline in North America, the fourth oldest in the world, having been founded in 1921.)
If you live in or near the Twin Cities, you should look at TransGlobal's departures from May 25 through August 31, 2003, for Cancun. You should book by May 31, 2003 to get these prices: a family of four can purchase a three-night air and hotel vacation to Cancun at the all-inclusive Occidental Caribbean Village Playacar for $1,119.99. This price is valid for Friday departures on June 20 and 27, 2003.
On all TransGlobal "School's Out" packages, families of four can save up to $400 per reservation when kids fly to Cancun for $99.99 roundtrip and stay and eat free. That's for children aged 12 and under at participating hotels. Kids aged 17 and under can fly from $99 roundtrip, and there is an additional room surcharge for children aged 13 to 17.
There are international fuel surcharges ($40 per person) included in the listed fare, but fees and taxes up to $89.29, facility charge up to $18, segment fees up to $3 per segment and a September 11 security fee of up to $10 are not included. To buy a vacation from TransGlobal, see your local travel agent. For more information visit www.tgvacations.com.
Land-Only Lubbers
If you want to book your own airfare to Cancun, you might want to check out the all-inclusive, five-star Palace Resorts. From June 1 through August 31, 2003, children 12 and under stay free when sharing a room with an adult. At the Beach Palace, rates are from $133 per person, ditto at the Cancun Palace. At the Sun Palace, it's $160 per person. All prices are per person per night based on double occupancy. These all-inclusive packages include lodging, taxes, gratuities, all meals and snacks, beverages, non-motorized water sports, a supervised kids' club (at some properties), nightly entertainment and unlimited selected tours. Each room has satellite TV, purified water, phone, air-conditioning, the usual deluxe amenities.
For full details, you can work with a reputable travel agent, go online to www.palaceresorts.com or call toll-free 800/635-1836. You can also get information sending an e-mail to info@palaceresorts.com.