HAVE YOU USED OR PLANNED ALL OF YOUR VACATION DAYS YET?

Only 48% of US workers say they use all their vacation days, according to a new survey from Pew Research Center.?Of those, 52% say their reason is that they “don’t need it”.?These are shocking numbers to me.

There are plenty of scientific evidence suggesting that people will be healthier and more productive if they take some real breaks throughout the year. Plus, work to live, people, not the other way around!

While it’s generally best to plan in advance for best pricing and availability, there are still some great last minute options to make sure your hard-earned time off doesn’t go unused this year.?While initially I planned to only write one article on the subject, apparently, I have too many ideas, so I'll make it a series.

PART 1: CANCUN & RIVIERA MAYA

If you think Cancun and Riviera Maya are mostly for spring breakers, think again.?I will confess that I had many biases against this area until I actually experienced it myself.?Now, I will be off to Riviera Maya for the 3rd time this year next month!

There is something for everyone, from luxurious boutiques to all-inclusives with some catering to families and some only allowing adults.?You can snorkel the 2nd largest barrier reef in the world, swim in cenotes, walk through subterranean caves, zipline, learn how to cook traditional dishes and more.

Some of my favorite excursions have been:

Muyil, a recently discovered and completely uncrowded archeological site (I’m looking at you, Chichén Itzá!):

Sian Ka'an 'lazy river' adventure, where you can float in mangrove canals, surrounded by the sounds of nature, orchids & bromeliads:

Or venture out further into this reserve that happens to be a UNESCO heritage site for a chance to see manatees, dolphins, crocodiles, manatees and a great variety of birds:

Cenotes are unique to this part of the world and are considered sacred by The Maya. They are essentially large sinkholes or caves that have filled with water over time. It's so refreshing to swim or snorkel in a cenote with fish or even turtles on a hot day! One cenote even has a friendly crocodile named Panchito living in it. There are several cenote parks offering more adventurous activities too, like zip lining or hiking through underground rivers.

Experience Tulum with its funky vibe, hopping beach clubs and amazing food & drinks:

The next one, I guess, similarly to Tulum, is less of an excursion but a lesser known destination, some say what Tulum used to be many years ago, an island called Holbox. Admittedly, it's a bit of a pain to get to. A transfer from Cancun airport would take about 2 hours by car, plus 30 minutes by ferry.

Long journey aside, I just love its relaxing vibe, white sandy beaches and incredible food and cocktails. You can stroll the streets full of boutique shops, tiny restaurants and elaborate murals. There are no cars allowed, so you will get around by walking or by a golf cart. Unlike the mainland, most tourists are actually Mexicans or expats living in Mexico.

There are other Mayan ruins and many activities that I won't even attempt to cover. On my next trip, I'm planning to snorkel with whale sharks (a seasonal activity, coming to an end in mid-September) and visit Isla Contoy National Park.

Here are some of my favorite properties that are offering special promotions this year (note, dates are limited and are subject to availability).

Also, through my preferred partner affiliation, by booking through me you receive the following perks:

• Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
• Daily Breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom
• $100 USD equivalent Resort or Hotel credit to be utilized during stay
• Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability
• Complimentary Wi-Fi

Chablé Maroma, every 3rd night free. A boutique, 70-room truly luxurious property located on one of the best beaches in all of Mexico. With its earthy vibes, the focus is on wellness and immersion into the Mexican traditions.

Etéreo, Auberge Resorts Collection, every 3rd night free.

Located in a new Kanai development, this property features 75 studios and suites with amazing ocean views. This resort offers one-of-a kind wellness and culinary experiences ranging from cenote safaris and chef-led tastings to healing Mayan ceremonies. The F&B program really is fantastic. Guests also can dine at the neighboring St. Regis, just a short stroll along the beach or a golf cart ride away.

Banyan Tree Mayakoba. While it's not a free night or percent off promotion, I noticed that this property is pricing extremely well for some of the dates for the remainder of the year.

Mayakoba complex is truly one of my very favorites in the region, especially for those who want more options for dining and activities. It is comprised of 4 resorts and is unique in that the resorts are divided into the beach and canal areas. The canals themselves are quite incredible, very scenic and offering great wildlife viewing opportunities. Each of the four resorts provides a complimentary private canal tour which is a must. Of all the non-all inclusive options I cover in this article Mayakoba would be my choice for families, although couples would love it as well (just avoid school break times). Rosewood is my other top high end pick if money is no object, while Fairmont and Andaz fall within the more affordable luxury category (more to come on the Andaz).

Andaz Mayakoba, 5th night free

While initially the offer doesn't seem as compelling as the 3rd night free options above, this property, in my opinion, is the best value in the area among the higher end non-all inclusives. It's not as nearly as swanky as the Rosewood or Banyan Tree, but it gives you the opportunity to get into the elite Mayakoba complex at the price that won't break the bank. The food is amazing (plus, of course, you have access to all of Rosewood, Banyan Tree and Fairmont restaurants for lunch and dinner), the rooms are very well designed, service is outstanding, there are so many activities on offer. What's not to like?

Also, for those wanting to travel over Festive, there's a different offer in place, an additional $100 Resort Credit per day (on top of the benefits mentioned at the top of the article, like free breakfast and $100 stay credit).

Another great value option that I recently visited and fell in love with is Conrad Tulum. There are no free nights on offer, but the value is excellent. I would probably recommend it for adults/couples more vs. families (for families, Mayakoba is a better choice). However, for those wanting to get off the resort and do more excursions, Conrad is a fantastic option. Note, the property is not actually "in" Tulum but rather in Chetumal, and it's a proper resort, not your typical Tulum boutique.

Other favorites include Esencia and Rosewood (which I had mentioned earlier).

Switching gears to the All-Inclusives:

My top pick is Palmaia - The House of AiA.

I will admit that I was skeptical about this property prior to visiting because I'm a no-nonsense sort of person, and their somewhat over the top new-agey branding sort of rubbed me the wrong way. Boy, was I ever WRONG!!!?I absolutely LOVED this place. I always say that all-inclusives are not for real foodies, but Palmaia is one of the few exceptions. The food (and drinks) will knock your socks off. While they promote themselves as plant based, there are plenty of meat options, so do not be deterred. As a vegetarian though, my food was as good as anything at the best vegan restaurant in Manhattan. I would pay top dollar for those kinds of meals!

As for the concept itself, while it certainly is somewhat polarizing in theory (a huge emphasis on spiritual stuff), it didn't feel pushy or heavy. For those who want to embrace it, it's there. For those who just want to eat amazing food and drink amazing drinks and chill in wonderfully appointed rooms, that works too! No judgement - easy to take in as much of that as you want (or not take in if you don't want). There are lots of activities one can partake in that are included, which makes it a solid value (classes, experiences, etc). Perfect for sophisticated families, couples or singles (perhaps a yoga retreat?).

My next pick is unquestionably indisputably (what other word can I use?) THE best value for Adult-Only All Inclusives in the entire region. If money is no object, it won't compare favorably to the Esencias or the Rosewoods of the world. But for those looking for a great place to stay that represents a killer value, you won't go wrong with Atelier Playa Mujeres.

Again, no free nights but at the reasonable prices offered, it doesn't matter. It's been one of my top sellers, along with Andaz Mayakoba. So far, there hasn't been a single client complaint about this property.

Important to know: while typically the beach happens to be better than most in the area (a plus), this resort is located pretty far North, so it's not ideal for most excursions, with a few exceptions, like Isla Mujeres.

There are a LOT more options, and there's no way I can cover them all in an article like this. Please reach out to me at inga@wanderwildtravel.com, and I will make sure to match you to the right property, and get you the best deal with the most perks possible.

Also keep in mind, this is installment #1, with more to come. Installment #2 will focus on something completely different, African Safaris.