I recently returned from Cancun, and the trip reinforced something we have been discussing with our customers for several years: sargassum remains an ongoing challenge throughout much of the Caribbean.

Those gorgeous turquoise waters and white-sand beaches are still there—but depending on the destination, season, wind and currents, sargassum may be there too.

For travelers who consider the beach their number-one priority, it is important to understand that Caribbean destinations that are consistently less affected by sargassum are limited. Many others are simply hit or miss.

A beach may be beautiful one week and covered with seaweed the next. Even beaches that are normally protected can be affected when winds or currents shift. Resorts work hard to remove it, but Mother Nature does not always cooperate. No travel advisor, resort or tour operator can guarantee exactly what a beach will look like upon your arrival.

That does not mean you should stop traveling to the Caribbean. Not at all. It means choosing the right resort requires looking beyond the beach.

This is one reason we interview our customers before making recommendations. Is swimming in the ocean essential? Would a lovely beach for walking be enough? Are great pools, excellent food or an adults-only atmosphere more important? Do you want easy access to cultural experiences and adventures?

Those answers matter.

If the beach becomes unusable for a few days, we do not want your entire vacation ruined because the resort has insufficient pools, mediocre food or poor service. A resort with inviting pools, genuinely good dining and attentive staff gives you options. You can still have a wonderful vacation when the sea is not cooperating.

And let’s not overlook the spa!

Many resorts now offer incredible spa experiences, and I think every traveler should plan to enjoy one during their stay. A massage, facial or hydrotherapy experience may become one of the most restorative parts of the vacation.

Spa treatments are generally not included in an all-inclusive package, so plan for that additional expense. It is also wise to reserve popular treatments in advance.

I also encourage travelers to include at least one experience away from the resort unless they are taking a short three-night getaway.

In Mexico, that might mean swimming in an underground cenote, exploring Mayan ruins or learning more about the region’s history and culture. Depending on the destination and season, it could mean whale watching or swimming with whale sharks.

Years later, you may not remember which lounge chair you chose—but you will remember floating through a cenote or standing before ruins created by a civilization that continues to fascinate us. The resort is an important part of the vacation, but it does not have to be the entire vacation.

My recent trip also reminded me how delightful an adults-only resort can be for couples and groups of friends of all ages.

I love children. Children are a delight—unless they aren’t yours.

Let’s just be honest!

Family-friendly resorts naturally come with splashing, squealing, pool games and excited little voices. That is exactly what they are designed to welcome. But when you are traveling with a spouse or adult friends, that atmosphere can feel intrusive rather than relaxing.

At an adults-only resort, meals tend to be more leisurely, pool areas are calmer and conversations are easier. You can read, rest and reconnect without the constant activity that naturally accompanies a family vacation.

It isn’t about disliking children. It is about choosing an environment that fits the purpose of your trip.

We cannot control the currents or the wind, and we cannot promise that a Caribbean beach will be completely free of sargassum during your vacation.

What we can do is help you choose thoughtfully.

We can recommend destinations that generally offer better odds when the beach is your highest priority. We can select resorts with excellent pools, food, spas and service so your vacation does not depend entirely upon one stretch of sand. We can also help you add experiences that create lasting memories beyond the resort.

The Caribbean is still beautiful, and Cancun is still worth visiting. Today’s travelers simply need honest information, realistic expectations and a vacation plan that gives them more than one way to have an incredible time.

That is why we ask questions before making recommendations. We aren’t simply booking you a room.

We are helping you choose the vacation that is right for you.

Your Globetrotting Friend,
Joy