East or West, beach is best: Choosing a Cabo or Cancun vacation

When it comes to Mexico, the question isn't if you should go, but where you should go - and how often you should return. Our neighbor to the south has a dazzling array of sights to see and things to do, and you'll almost always enjoy the comforts of sunshine and warm temperatures.

Mexico is doubly blessed when it comes to beaches - both the west coast, on the Pacific ocean, and the east coast, on the Caribbean sea, are lined with beautiful playas perfectly suited to any vacationer's desires. If you're looking for the best of Mexico's beach destinations, it can be a tough field to narrow down. However, two stand out, one on the east coast and one on the west: Cabo San Lucas and Cancun.

West: Cabo San Lucas
Cabo remains a relatively small town in terms of size, but its appeal as a vacation destination keeps growing. It's located at the far end of the Baja peninsula and the natural surroundings of dramatic cliffs, golden sand beaches and clear blue waters make it visually stunning.

Cabo's reputation as a party town is well-earned, but it also has a distinguished side. Many Cabo San Lucas hotels are the picture of elegance, complete with top-of-the-line amenities and luxurious modern decor. You can spend as much as you want, but the good news for budget travelers is that a quick search for Cabo vacation packages at sites like Travelocity.com turns up plenty of deals on top resorts and hotels. The discounts can be even deeper if you combine your hotel and flight costs into a vacation package.

While you're in Cabo, hitting the beach should be your No. 1 priority, but there are plenty of things to do if you want a break from all that relaxing. Deep sea fishing is an exciting way to spend the day - Cabo is prime territory for trophy fish. Snorkeling, surfing and kayaking are just a few more ways to enjoy Cabo's natural beauty.

East: Cancun
Whether you're a honeymooning couple, a family, or a spring break reveler, Cancun welcomes you with open arms. There is something to keep everyone busy, from a vibrant nightlife scene to nearby Mayan ruins to great restaurants - and, of course, the essential part of any Cancun vacation: the beach.

Getting to Cancun is exceptionally easy for travelers on all kinds of budgets. Cheap flights to Cancun are readily available year round, so there are few limits on optimal times to travel. And as easy as it is to find a good price on airline tickets, the abundance of hotel rooms in the city all but guarantee you'll find somewhere to stay - often right on the beach - at a reasonable price.

Spending time on the water is a given - you only need to choose how you do it. Taking a snorkeling expedition out to nearby Isla Mujeres is a fantastic way to see an exotic world of underwater wildlife. Or, for a wild ride, try parasailing to get a bird's eye view of the spectacular blue waters that put Cancun on the tourist map.