Cancun, Quintana Roo

Cancún is nothing if not resilient. Consider the debilitating effects Hurricane Wilma had on the region in 2005—drowned shores, felled storefronts, and capsized boats. But less than 10 years later, this skinny "7"-shaped barrier island in southeastern Mexico is once again a go-to spot for beaches, golfing, and nightlife. Cancún also remains one of the most affordable vacations in the Western Hemisphere—you could pay less than $600 per person for an all-inclusive vacation along these Yucatán sands, even during the self-indulgent Spring Break season.

So what's there to do here? We're glad you asked. Cancún's beaches are indeed spectacular spots to try some jet-skiing and parasailing. And there's also a host of after-hours activities; we'd particularly recommend you take in the acrobatic dance performances at the Coco Bongo Cancún. But this area is also close to one of the most recognizable sites of Mexico—don't miss out the chance to behold Chichén Itzá, a large Mayan archaeological site that is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.