Traveling to Mexico often has a stigma, but I’m here to tell you I’ve never had a problem going there after four trips. It’s one of my favorite places to relax and unwind. I think it’s really important to plan a trip with the agenda to do nothing but relax. Travel is often hectic and packed with activities, but this type of vacation is the opposite.

Did you know Cancun is only a 3 1/2 hour direct flight from St. Louis? It’s so easy to go! I’ve always stayed at the all-inclusive resorts so I can kick back and relax without planning anything, but I’ve heard great things about making it a sightseeing trip, too. When I travel there, I don’t leave the resort because I’m just there to turn off. It’s divine!

There are a lot of affordable and budget-friendly options for all-inclusive resorts, but I highly recommend reaching out to a travel agent (I always use The Travel Gals) to find the one that might suit you best. I’ve always stayed at Secrets brand resorts and we splurge a bit to go there because it’s super top notch. There are more affordable options in the area, but the service, food, rooms, cleanliness, hospitality at Secrets has all been stellar every trip. It’s also worth noting the other travelers at Secrets are pretty quiet for the most part. Sometimes the company can make or break your trip - so if you’ re looking for low key, non-Spring Break type travelers - this is your place. I've been to both Secrets Silversands (not currently open) and Secrets Maroma Beach.

Here are my tips for your beach trip:

-As with every trip I go on, always bring an extra outfit in your carry on. In this case, bring a bathing suit too in case you arrive without your suitcase by some chance. At least you can enjoy the pool while you wait for your luggage to get tracked down! I always have a pair of shorts in my carry on to change into at the airport because you’ll notice right way that it’s humid when you get there.

-Bring cash in small bills for tipping. I usually bring around $25 in $1’s and $5’s per day. Tipping isn’t required but it’s appreciated, and the workers at the Secrets Resorts I’ve encountered all hustle in the sun to make your vacation special, so they deserve it! I always split my tips into three envelopes - one per suitcase and one in my carry on, just in case something happens to one of them.

-Preferred Club or not? We’ve done Preferred Club on one of our trips, and we thought it was worth the upgrade cost for the top shelf bar and the better room location. It’s not necessary, though, to thoroughly enjoy the trip.

-Swim-out room? I really enjoyed the swim-out style room when I traveled with a group and our rooms were all located near each other. They tend to be a little cheaper, but they don’t grant you the ocean view if that’s what you’d rather have.

-Straws. Secrets doesn’t use them in an effort to be sustainable (which is great!) but if you want one, bring reusables. I recently grabbed these from Amazon and I use them at home now, too.

-Bring something to do. It’s actually really challenging for me to turn off and I’m tempted to check my phone as much as I usually do at home, but having a Sudoku book or a good read on hand helps. Let this be your time to put everything else down!