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One of the most popular destinations college students enjoy for spring break trips, Cancun, Mexico has only been a resort area since about 1970. Even with it’s newness, Cancun is the largest tourist destination in the country and has over 3 million visitors soaking up rays and enjoying the active nightlife each year.

Cancun, Mexico is divided into three very distinct areas, including the main tourist zone of Cancun Island, an ecological reserve, and the area known as Cancun City. Most students stay in Cancun Island, on the main tourist strip of Tulum Avenue. This is the area inundated with nightlife, tourist attractions and shopping venues. The hotel zone is only about six miles from the Cancun International Airport- which makes it an easy cab ride to your hotel or you might choose to rent a car so you can explore the Island on your own.

If you are looking to see as much as Mexico as possible during your trip, Cancun is a great starting point for many other places in the country. From Cancun, you can take day trips to cozumel, the Mayan Riviera, or the Playa Del Carmen. If archaeology is what you’re interested in, you can check out the sites at Tulum, Chichen Itza or Coba.

You can spend your days relaxing on the beautiful beaches that border the hotel zone or participating in any number of water activities with your friends. Try snorkeling, parasailing, fishing or beach volleyball if you’re not a water type! Whatever you enjoy, you’re going to find it in Cancun.

The nightlife of Cancun offers a little something for everyone! When the lights go out, that is when Cancun turns up the heat and energy! There are several dance clubs (known as “discos” in Cancun) located in the hotel zone, but if you grow tired of the same old scene or just prefer a different type of night entertainment- you could also enjoy reggae or salsa music, comedy, solo guitarists or spend an evening with offtrack betting.

Some of the most popular hot spots for college students include the Bulldog Cafe- many big name performers have been seen here, including Shakira, Naughty by Nature, AC/DC and Guns N’ Roses. It’s located in the Krystal Hotel and can hold up to 2000 party goers at one time. The favorite of all spring break goers and college travelers is Dady’O- the party gets started about 10pm, and you can stop in any night of the week. There are 3D laser shows, theme parties, and if you get overheated the club will hose you down and cool you off!

There are some new requirements for US travelers into and out of Mexico. As of January 2007, if you are flying in or out of Mexico, you will need a passport due to increased border control. If you are close enough to drive, you can still visit without a passport. It’s always best to be prepared for your travels, so check for any other requirements before you head off on your Cancun, Mexico trip!

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