Cozumel

The island of Cozumel is a kinder, gentler version of Cancún. It has its fair share of big resorts, but the streets aren't quite as chockablock with tourist traps. The world's second-largest barrier reef lies just off the coast, which makes this a top snorkeling and diving destination. A few Mayan ruins provide what limited sight-seeing there is (aside from the island's glorious natural attractions). On the mainland is Playa del Carmen, a charming beach town that's the unofficial capital of the Riviera Maya, a string of beaches that is quickly becoming the next big destination. As you head south toward the ruins of Cobá and Tulúm, you'll find tiny fishing villages as well as a couple of ecological reserves. A few well-placed resorts mean that this area isn't entirely off the beaten path, but some areas are quite secluded.