Two family summer vacation locations are paralleled for easy decision-making - Maldives Islands and Cancun, Mexico. Includes things to do and destination attractions.
Cancun is a popular destination for teenagers and adults alike, so much so that it has become the "done-to-death" cliché of the vacationing realm. Regardless of the delights this Mexican city once had to offer, it has now become a gigantic tourist trap with no real culture to offer. Unless you want a run-in with the infamous "Girls Gone Wild" camera crew, you might look for one of Mexico's other resort-dotted cities (such as Cozumel) for a little more originality.
On the other hand, if you're already planning on going, there are a few ways to ensure that you take a little more away from the experience than your average 19-year-old. First of all, try to find a hotel that isn't right on the beach. This may seem counter-productive to the entire "vacation" mood you're struggling to create, but it will actually separate you from some of the larger groups of tourists. Secondly, ensure that you explore the more cultural elements that remain in Cancun, such as the Mayan ruins. On the bright side, you can rest assured that everything "uncomfortable" about genuine Mexican culture has been culled from Cancun. The tap water, for example, is entirely drinkable. Consider November or December for travel, when the weather is still nice and the throngs of tourists have thinned slightly.
If Cancun is the classic Broadway production that everyone's seen a dozen times, The Maldives are the newcomer sensation. Though people have vacationed here for decades, it remains far less "done" than Cancun, and consequently, you feel much closer to the pulse of the local people. The most remarkable feature of this location is its own inevitable demise; according the meteorologist predictions (and what we know of global warming), this offer is not going to last. The rising sea levels will eventually wipe out the Maldives Islands altogether, which means that anyone considering a trip there should go before the tropical paradise (just southwest of the Indian coast) is gone completely. The series of islands all offer unique attractions, but the common theme is white, sandy beaches and lush vegetation. Like Cancun, The Maldives does have some sections which have been virtually exploited by the tourism industry, but it is much larger and diverse than Cancun as well, providing for more diversity in what sort of vacation you seek.
Choosing a place to vacation can be as serious as buying a new home. It has the potential to affect you in the present (think how tremendously a relaxing vacation would benefit you) and the future (this is the stuff memories are made of). Don't just take my word for it: think carefully, do your research, and choose wisely.
