Enjoy a luxurious desert retreat at the Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain, located northwest of Tuscon, Arizona. Stay at this 5-star resort for as little as $199 per night this summer, and receive a $50 daily credit to be used at Dove Mountain’s spa, voted #1 in Arizona by Condé Nast Traveler, and #3 in the country. Use the promo code 8SZ when booking; this “Summer Returns” package is valid for most Sundays–Wednesdays from now through September 9. This Sonoran Desert resort also features a 27-hole golf course, Pilates, yoga, and three swimming pools.

In Palm Springs, California, famous for its plethora of spas, you can stay at the Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa for only $99 per night. Book by May 20, and take advantage of low summer rates at this 4-star hotel for select dates from July through September. Enjoy rejuvenating spa treatments, plus a spa tub, steam room, and more relaxing amenities.

Take a trip to Cancun and unwind at the beachfront Westin Resort & Spa Cancun for as little as $95 per night in June. Stay right on the resort’s private beach, lounge at one of four outdoor pools, then indulge in a treatment at the on-site spa. This 4-star resort also features tennis, golf, water sports, and an upscale fitness center.

If you can handle the heat of Las Vegas in the summer, then you could save big at the 4-star South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa, just minutes away from the glittering lights of the Vegas strip. Rooms start at an incredible $49 per night from May through October when you stay midweek, meaning you’ll have some money leftover to spend at the on-site spa and salon, which offer massages, facials, manicures, and more. The upscale hotel also has a casino, a 16-screen movie theater, and 12 restaurants.

Relax: A rejuvenating spa vacation is just around the corner.

If you want to escape to somewhere warm, The Sonesta Maho Beach Resort & Casino, an all-inclusive resort on the Caribbean island of St. Maarten, is offering rates from $139 per person, per night for stays of three nights or longer with the “Fun in the Sun” package – a savings of 35 percent on current rates. Stay five nights or more at the beachfront resort, which has its own 18-hole golf course, and you’ll also receive $200 in resort credit. Or, head to Cancun and enjoy an authentic Mayan Discovery Experience at the CasaMagna Marriott Cancun Resort, which includes accommodations for two, two tickets to the new Mayan Museum, an 80-minute Mayan-inspired couples massage, and a daily $50 resort credit – from$159 per night (use the promo code “CUE” when booking).

For trips within the US, the five-diamond Colorado Springs resort, The Broadmoar, offers a Spring Break Getaway for only $105 per night for stays from March 1–May 15. This deal, which saves 30 percent on rates earlier in the season, also includes free dining for children 10 and under and discounts on retail purchases, zoo tickets, and more. For travel over Easter Weekend, enjoy a trip with your girlfriends to the 4-star Hotel Vintage Park in Seattle; the “Chicks Night Out” offer includes 15 percent off the current best available rate, a complimentary nightly wine hour, and, in the spirit of the holiday, a box of Marshmallow Peeps, starting from $144 per night (travel is valid March 28–April 2; use the promo code “PPEEPS”).

And, on March 14 only, The Charles Hotel in Cambridge, Mass., celebrates “National Pi Day” and offers rates at a 31.4 percent discount, meaning rates start at $150 per night for stays from March 19–April 2 (use the promo code “PI2013″ when booking). This boutique 4-star hotel is located at the famous Harvard Square, near the beautiful Charles River and Cambridge’s eclectic shopping and dining.

So, you can stop making excuses for reasons not to travel; with these deals under $160, you don’t have to. Where are you going next?

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Timed so you can hit the beaches the same day you land, Aeromexico’s flights depart JFK’s terminal 1 at 7:10am daily, and arrive at Cancún International Airport before lunchtime. Return flights take off daily at 5:25pm from Cancún, and land at JFK by midnight.

While summer in the Caribbean means hurricanes combined with high temperatures and soaring humidity, this usually results in off season advantages, like cheap hotel rooms and shorter queues. In addition, Cancún hosts a wealth of warm weather attractions. Visitors can swim with the whale sharks at Isla Holbox, explore the Tulum Mayan ruins in Quintana Roo, go cave diving in the submerged cenote caverns, or just relax at one of Cancún’s many beach resorts.

Other new Aeromexico flights include non-stop flights from Washington D.C. to Mexico City from $529, and a daily service from Atlanta to Mexico’s capital from $449 starting July 1. For nonstop flights to Cancún, both Priceline and Expedia currently list flights starting from $759 on American Airlines.

See our Cancún destination guide for general trip-planning information, then use our Travel Search price comparison tool to find the lowest rates and travel deals on flights, hotels, vacation packages, and more.

Chichén Itza: The biggest and most popular ruins in Mexico, this UNESCO World Heritage site was named a 7th Wonder of the World in 2007. Not surprisingly, the ancient Maya city is teeming with tourists. It’s still worth a visit, though – for first-timers (like me), stifling a gasp as the 79-foot Castillo (El Kukulcán) comes into view is nearly impossible.

The temple is famous not only for its grandeur but also for the various symbols of the Maya calendar represented in its features: a total of 365 steps, for example, and the shadow of a serpent slithering down the stairs that appears during equinoxes.

And those people who are clapping at the base? They aren’t reenacting some ancient Maya ritual; they’re demonstrating the echo from the top of the temple that sounds eerily like the call of the quetzal bird. It’s a highland creature not native to the area, so whether the remarkable acoustic effect is accidental or was designed by the Maya is up for debate.

Two more recommended stops: the ball court, which at 443 feet long is the largest in the Mundo Maya (though some archaeologists say it was used more for ceremonial purposes than actual games), and the Sacred Cenote, a short walk from the main city. This 100-foot-deep natural well is the eternal resting place for more than a hundred sacrificed Maya, including many women and children.

Chichén, as it’s commonly called, is about a 2.5- to a three-hour drive from Playa del Carmen. To avoid the largest crowds (and the mid-day heat), set the alarm early (or plan to arrive after 3pm). Or, stay overnight at any of several mid-range hotels, as well as some hostels, in the nearby town of Pisté, or at the actual on-site property, The Lodge at Chichén Itza, and be among the first inside when it opens at 8am.

Cobá: These delightfully shaded ruins are famous for an inscription that indicates a date far exceeding that of modern astronomers’ estimates for the age of our universe. At the site’s Stela 20 (a stela is a sculpted stone shaft or tablet; look for signs to Structure 5), this “deep time” inscription is evidence that the Maya marked time past December 21, 2012, which represents not the end of the world, but the end of their Long Count calendar and the beginning of a new era.

In addition to this significant inscription, Cobá also boasts the 42-meter Nohuch Mul, one of the tallest temples in the Mundo Maya, whose steep, vertigo-inducing steps (I counted 124) visitors are allowed to climb. With no guard rails or official guides on hand, it’s an ambitious grind to the top – the rope is there for a reason – that comes with beautiful views of the Yucatan forest, bragging rights, and, even if you’re in decent shape, likely a day or two of sore quads.

In addition to the heart-pumping temple climb, Cobá, which is about a two-hour drive from Playa del Carmen, evokes a somewhat wild, yet spiritual vibe with its leafy canopy, maze of “white roads,” or sacbeob, which were the actual routes that the Maya walked upon,  and scores of as-yet unexcavated structures. It’s normally much less crowded than other sites.

Tulum: Set against the spectacular backdrop of the shimmering Caribbean Sea, Tulum boasts beautifully manicured grounds, an easily walkable site and even beach access. In other words, it’s an ideal choice for visitors who want to take in some ruins but get antsy after an hour or so.

From an archaeological perspective, Tulum is significant because of its status as a hub of trade and commerce in the Riviera Maya. Structures of note include the often-photographed El Castillo, which is magnificently perched on a seaside cliff, the Temple of the Wind, whose rounded corners allowed the wind to flow freely around it as a sort of tribute to that god, and the Temple of the Frescoes, which shows different scenes of gods including Chaac, the ever-powerful rain god.

In addition to the ruins, Tulum also refers to the quaint seaside town about a 30-minute drive from the archaeological site. It makes for a great home base to explore Cobá and Chichén, as well, with scores of quaint accommodations (one to check out is the exquisite Ana y José Hotel & Spa), chill beach bars and restaurants, and even yoga studios.

•    Two 80-minute Mayan-inspired spa treatments – a $129 value per person
•    $50 daily resort credit
•    A tour for two of Chichen Itza – a $174 value
•    Free wi-fi
•    A Mayan theme welcome amenity

The beachfront AAA Four Diamond CasaMagna is an exceptional getaway spot, be it for a weekend or an extended stay. Located in a region rooted in Mayan culture and set in the now famous Cancun hotel zone it’s the ideal setting to take in the storied history, enjoy the resort’s modern amenities, all while basking on the pristine sun-soaked beach.

The package is available at the CasaMagna, or stay at the Five Diamond JW Marriott Cancun Resort located next door for $399 per night. With a stay at CasaMagna, the package offers over $400 in amenities while stays at the JW offers over $500!

Book and travel by Decemeber 21, 2012. The offer is based on availability and subject to blackout dates, taxes not included.  Book online at www.casamagnacancun.com or www.jwmarriottcancun.com or by phone at 1.800.228.9290.  When booking this package, request promotion code CUE.

Use our Travel Search price comparison tool to find the lowest rates on flights to Cancun. For general trip-planning information, see our Cancun destination guide.

For general trip-planning information, see our Mexico Travel Guide.

I left my hotel at 6am, driving north through the hotel zone to the Solo Buceo diving company. Here, after booking in advance, guests pay a modest $165 before boarding the boat with nine other passengers and a crew of three. My group headed northwest, searching for the docile giants via GPS. The sharks come to the region on their southern migration in May and stay through early September, feasting on plankton and microorganisms in the warm Caribbean waters. After the tour companies initially locate the sharks in May, they can keep daily records of the sharks with each morning excursion, making sightings throughout the season a near guarantee.

My boat ride was about an hour long and consisted of fittings for a snorkel, goggles, and fins, before being lulled into periodic nod-offs by the open sea and purr of the boat engine. I was eventually roused by cheers from the crew. Looking straight ahead, the panorama of Kool-Aid-colored water had suddenly turned into a spectacle of fins much too large to be dolphins; our crew had found the whale sharks. The mood on the boat changed from bleary-eyed to jubilant and awe-struck almost immediately, and after rubbing the sleep from my eyes, I soon realized the whale sharks were not just in front us but in every direction off the boat. I asked our crew their estimate of the number in the immediate area and was floored to hear, “somewhere between 200 and 250.”

With no delay, we divided into two groups for swimming with these prehistoric fish. I hopped off board with our guide and four others and was pleasantly surprised by the freedom we were allotted by the company and also the intuitive respect the group had for the sharks. The only real rules were, “don’t touch the sharks” and “don’t venture too far from the boat.” As we began swimming, unsure of what to do, our guide was helpful in pointing out distant sharks coming towards our group. As he did so, we’d get in a position to have the indifferent creatures peacefully pass by. The first time you’re eye-to-eye with an animal over 25 feet in length is simply surreal, like you’re swimming with dinosaurs. It immediately became a game to attempt judging the length of the shark. I counted a full four seconds as the first shark passed me by, noting its back fin was an astounding six feet, equal to me in height.

I soon learned it was easiest to spot a shark fin above the water in the distance, gauge its directional movement, and place myself just outside the path. And, if timed correctly, I was able converge with the shark at a point in the distance, and swim by its side, actually riding the shark’s momentum for 10-20 yards. Equally exhilarating was to get directly in the path and watch the gaping, but harmless, filtering-feeding mouth open wide as it glides through the sea picking up micronutrients.

After about 30 minutes in the water, my group got back on board and let the second group revel in the presence of the monstrous creatures. Anyone interested in a second swim with the sharks was allowed to do so after the both groups had gone. At this point there were so many close to our boat that I would focus on one shark, intersecting its path, and as it passed, I would turn around only to find myself scrambling to keep from touching another gentle giant.

By the end of my second swim I had been in the water for over an hour and in close contact with well over 30 whale sharks. I had also watched the population of snorkelers grow exponentially from just our group of 10 to about 100 from 10 other companies. Yes, swimming with whale sharks is a tourist attraction, but it is one that offers a truly unique experience, placing us in the species’ natural environment without disrupting its daily life or ecosystem. The window to snorkel with the whale sharks is more than four months long (typically May through September, though exact dates vary) and occurs over the summer low season in Cancun, making this a nearby and affordable experience; swimming with these giants with such few limitations is an absolute must-do.

See our Cancun Travel Guide for more trip-planning information, then use our Travel Search price comparison tool to find the lowest rates on flights, hotels, packages, and more travel deals.

THE VALUE: All-inclusive rates at some of Mexico and the Caribbean’s top resorts start under $100 per person, per night.

THE CATCH: You’ll have to nail down your plans pretty far in advance in order to secure the best discounts. However, there’s no cancellation fee if something comes up closer to the date. There may be minimum stays around the holidays, and rates are much higher during those periods.

THE DETAILS: Go to www.barcelo.com to book, or call 800-227-2356.

WE’VE GOT MORE: Use our Travel Search price comparison tool to find the lowest rates and travel deals on flights.

For general trip-planning information, see our Mexico Travel Guide, Costa Rica Travel Guide, and Dominican Republic Travel Guide.

Given that the deal includes an ocean view room with a balcony, you might be tempted to leave the kids at home. But because that’s likely not an option, you’ll like the fact that the offer permits up to two children younger than 12 accompanied by a grown-up to eat selected meals for free in all six of the resort’s restaurants; poolside snacks are included, too.

Not included in the deal but a good value just the same is the resort’s camp, which offers sports and beach games as well as Mayan-themed educational programs for kids ages 4 to 12; cost is $65 per child per day (9am to 4pm). A half-day session from 9am to noon is $45. And if you’re uncertain if your child will take to the camp or you simply need a couple hours to yourself, the camp also lets you drop off the kids for a $15 hourly rate.

Back in the realm of freebies, if you want to incorporate a hint of volountourism into your stay, ask upon arrival if your family can tag along with volunteers helping out with the resort’s turtle release program. Each year marine turtles come ashore here and lay their eggs, which take 50 to 60 days to hatch. Through November lucky guests are allowed to release turtle hatchlings out to sea.

If you’re visiting the resort with kids under five, another noteworthy perk free for all guests is the Protect Our Little Ones (POLO) program, for which the resort has assigned a special check-in desk for toddlers as well as a “specially trained” bellman who will help install some of the contents of your POLO  kit. Included are a night light, electrical outlet covers, a first-aid kit, and something every hotel room (and home) ought to have, a cover for the bathtub spout. A stuffed animal is thrown into the kit for good measure, as the under-5 set probably won’t see the inherent fun in childproofing the room.

See our Cancun Travel Guide for more trip planning information, then use our Travel Search price comparison tool to find the lowest rates and travel deals on flights to Cancun.

The Luxury: Located in Cancun’s world-renowned hotel zone, the AAA Five Diamond JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa offers endless onsite luxury and relaxation with some of the Yucatan Penisula’s most famous sites just a short distance away. The resort couples light hints of Mayan influence with subtle sophistication to the 448 guest rooms, all of which include private balconies and ocean views, perfect for unwinding to the sound of the sea. The resort’s world-class amenities include the AAA 4-star Italian and Mediterranean cuisine of Gustino, an infinity pool overlooking the white-sand beach and turquoise Caribbean waters, as well as the 35,000-square-foot spa, complete with Mayan inspired treatments, a lap pool, and health bar.

The Value: Fall rates regularly start at $219/night, but with this exclusive, ShermansTravel.com readers can get rooms from $153 per night – a 30 percent discount. Our readers will also receive a free room upgrade (based on availability at the time of check-in), and free access to the second level of the spa. Additionally, the CasaMagna Marriott Cancun Resort, the JW’s AAA 4-Diamond sister property, is also taking part in this special. Those looking for a luxury getaway on a slightly smaller budget will find the CasaMagna is the perfect fit, with rooms from just $104 per night (regularly $149/night). Book by September 15 for travel September 1 – November 20, 2011.

The Catch: A four-night minimum stay is required.

The Details: www.jwmarriottcancun.com or www.casamagnacancun.com (use code L9Z)

For general trip-planning information, see our Cancun Travel Guide.