September isn’t just another month, it’s a new season and a beautiful time to travel to Cancun, Playa del Carmen or the Riviera Maya. The summer crowds have left, prices drop, and this Caribbean paradise, with its bright shining sun and beautiful beaches, urges us to think about planning our next family vacation and saving a little money at the same time.

There are some important reasons to reserve early and/or travel during “low season”:

There are many discounts and benefits given for reserving and paying for your vacation in September. Now is the time to consider taking advantage of them. We suggest the internet first as a place to find low priced packages. Your money will go further and you may be able to stay in an area or resort you normally wouldn’t be able to afford.

If you are planning an event in the Mexican Caribbean, such as a wedding, we suggest holding it during low season when you will find the most availability and wedding packages and flights at lower prices.

There are endless last minute specials, but be sure they are good deals. Last minute offers can be very restrictive and you could end up paying more in the end. Read the restrictions (normally found at the end of the package description in small print) very thoroughly before purchasing anything.

Reserving early will give you more time to research the area for attractions you don’t want to miss. Instead of heading out when you arrive into areas you don’t know well, you can search the internet for the exact resort you would like to choose and for restaurants, tours, etc. You can decide ahead of time what you really want and this will help you to avoid a lot of inconvenience and disappointment in the long run.

Hopefully these tips will help you to decide if booking early is beneficial for you. Don’t miss the opportunity to save on your dream vacation.

Recently Trip Advisor, the website which provides the “World’s Most Trusted Travel Advice”, announced the results of their annual survey on beach and pool etiquette. We’ve all been there…our relaxing afternoon ruined by blasting music or an intoxicated person. Maybe we’ve even all been the one violating beach etiquette now and then. This is some of what TA discovered in their survey:

The worst beach and pool etiquette offenders are Americans, and more specifically, New Yorkers, followed by residents of New Jersey and Florida.

The most annoying violations were found to be: loud music, beach chair hogging and smoking.

11% of the people surveyed admitted to reserving lounge chairs by getting up early and leaving their possessions on them, and 85% considered this unacceptable behavior.

The top “restricted access” zones that travelers would like to see on beaches and at pools are pet-free areas and child-free areas.

As far as personal space on the beach, 31% felt that their personal space is always or often invaded. At a crowded beach, 28 percent considered six feet to be the closest acceptable distance to sit next to a stranger while at an un-crowded beach, 30 percent considered 20 feet to be the closest acceptable distance to sit next to a stranger.

As far as fashion faux pas go, 34 percent considered it an etiquette violation for men to wear Speedos and 78 percent think it’s okay for women to go topless at the beach or pool, in destinations where it’s culturally acceptable.

What are your beach and pool etiquette pet peeves?

*HTR would like to thank lakewentworth for their great Lego picture!