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The 10 Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Mexico 2017

By U.S. News & World Report

See which all-inclusive properties came out on top this year.

If you want to plan a vacation that requires little logistical legwork, there are few options that are as convenient and care-free as an all-inclusive resort. Food, alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks, on-site activities and off-site excursions are all staples in a typical all-inclusive package. Mexico is chock-full of all-inclusive properties, giving travelers a variety of stress-free trips to choose from, all of which are situated in the middle of eye-catching tropical landscapes. The only stressful part? Finding an all-inclusive option that suits your needs. Taking into account each resort’s overall score from the 2017 Best Hotels in Mexico rankings and additional data, U.S. News determined the Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Mexico.

10. IBEROSTAR Grand Hotel Paraíso

A stone’s throw from the edge of the Riviera Maya coastline, this IBEROSTAR property is designed specifically with the 18 and older crowd in mind. Travelers can hit the links, treat themselves to a beachside massage, learn how to scuba dive, take a dip in one of the resort’s three pools or simply unwind inside a spacious suite. The room rate includes unlimited meals, snacks and drinks, numerous entertainment options, access to nightly shows and use of nonmotorized water sports equipment.

9. Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun

In addition to all meals and drinks, the adults-only Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun offers a variety of complimentary daytime activities, including sea kayaking, snorkeling, sailing, windsurfing and even cocktail-making classes. The property’s facilities are just as abundant, with about 86,000 square feet reserved for 13 pools and a sprawling 13,000-square-foot indoor-outdoor spa facility. But the resort’s standout attribute, according to many guests, is its direct access to the beach. You’ll find Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun about 11 miles north of central Playa Del Carmen.

8. Garza Blanca Preserve Resort & Spa

Seclusion is easy to come by at the Garza Blanca Preserve Resort & Spa. Located about 9 miles south of central Puerto Vallarta, this 85-acre property stands between lush peaks of the Sierra Madre Mountains and the turquoise waters of the Pacific. One- and two-bedroom suites are spacious (starting at more than 1,500 square feet) and family-friendly, offering multiple bedrooms, full-sized kitchens and oversized baths with dual vanities. Optional all-inclusive rates cover all beverages, meals at select restaurants, as well as numerous activities, such as snorkeling expeditions to Los Arcos, jungle hikes, bird-watching classes, tequila tastings and more.

7. Fairmont Mayakoba, Riviera Maya

Dubbed the “Venice of the Caribbean,” this Fairmont stands out from its oceanfront counterparts with picturesque waterways that weave in and out of its 45 acres. But that’s not the Fairmont Mayakoba’s only impressive feature. This AAA Five Diamond-rated property caters to crowds both young and old, offering separate pools for adults and children, as well as a Discovery Club & Adventure camp for kids ages 4 to 12. Plus, the resort’s Premium Appetite for Luxury package offers unlimited meals and beverages at four on-site restaurants, as well as beach and pool service, among other perks.

6. Secrets The Vine Cancun

Secrets The Vine Cancun is located along the city’s bustling Hotel Zone, putting guests within close proximity to numerous entertainment and nightlife options. Like its Riviera Maya counterpart, this Secrets outpost touts the amenity-packed Unlimited Luxury all-inclusive program. Perks include unlimited spirits, in-room minibars refreshed daily, all meals and access to themed parties, as well as on-site bars and entertainment venues. Guests can also enjoy complimentary dance lessons, yoga classes and cocktail-making classes, among other activities.

5. Zoëtry Paraiso de la Bonita Riviera Maya

If you’re looking for a remote Cancun resort, then the Zoëtry Paraiso might just be for you. The hotel is situated along the beach, more than 20 miles south of Cancun’s tourist-heavy Hotel Zone. Plus, the property makes it easy for guests to unwind and indulge, offering a robust all-inclusive “Endless Privileges” package. With the package, you can enjoy a bottle of tequila upon arrival, in-room minibars refreshed twice daily, airport transfers and a host of wellness and cultural experiences, including a sunset catamaran sail and a traditional temazcal steam room ceremony with a Mayan shaman.

4. Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit

Surrounded by white-sand beaches, fragrant blooms and tropical forests, the Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit offers travelers both a beautiful location and a large supply of things to do. The property is packed with numerous facilities, amenities and activities to keep guests entertained. What’s more, the all-inclusive package is family-friendly, with features such as a baby concierge and designated kids and teens clubs. The rate also includes a spa concierge, various fitness programs, including yoga, Pilates and meditation, live entertainment, select meals, drinks and a 24-hour personal concierge.

3. Hotel Mousai

It’s worth noting that this property is the only AAA Five Diamond-rated resort in Puerto Vallarta and the entire state of Jalisco. Aside from its industry accolades, the sky-high Hotel Mousai impresses guests with its swanky contemporary design and rooftop infinity pool. The all-inclusive package includes meals at select restaurants, alcoholic drinks, use of nonmotorized water sports equipment at the nearby beach and more. There’s also an on-site spa and an outdoor play and fitness center, which offers a tennis court. The Hotel Mousai is located about 10 miles southwest of central Puerto Vallarta.

2. Grand Velas Riviera Maya

If you’re on the hunt for a family-friendly hotel in Riviera Maya, you might want to stop your search here. This Grand Velas outpost features a kids club, a teens club and a baby concierge, as well as babysitting services and a pool designed for little ones. Plus, parents can even arrange for an infant haircut or massage (for an extra fee). In addition to family-oriented amenities, the all-inclusive package also covers the cost of airport transfers, meals at select on-site restaurants, water sport rentals and fitness programs, among other activities and amenities.

1. Le Blanc Spa Resort

Holding the distinction of the No. 1 Best Hotel in Cancun, Le Blanc Spa Resort offers a relaxing retreat in the northern portion of Cancun’s bustling Hotel Zone. This adults-only hideaway provides plenty of space for guests to stretch out with its three expansive pool decks, wide swath of nearby shoreline and multiple on-site restaurants and bars. Meals, top-shelf drinks, all-day snacks and 24-hour room service are among the amenities covered by the all-inclusive rate.

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The 10 Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Mexico 2017 originally appeared on usnews.com

Don’t Settle for Student Loans to Pay for Online Education

By WTOP Staff
Online college programs are becoming a more popular choice for prospective students, with one study finding that more than 6 million students enrolled in at least one online course in fall 2015. The popularity of these courses can be attributed in part to their flexibility with working adults' schedules, students' ability to progress more quickly through online programs and, oftentimes, cheaper tuition. [See 10 low-cost online bachelor's programs for out-of-state students.]Online degrees can be beneficial to many college students, but some studies have shown online learners complete their programs at lower rates than students at traditional brick-and-mortar campuses. Individuals with student loans but no degree comprise two-thirds of defaulted borrowers. Though these numbers are not encouraging, just like for traditional programs, there are ways to reduce how much you'll need to borrow for an online program to ensure you won't become one of these statistics. Don't just settle on borrowing student loans to cover the whole cost of your program and living expenses. Instead, start thinking about how to cut costs and cover your balance in different ways, such as the following. -- Grants and scholarships: Even though you are taking an online course, you can still apply and receive grants and scholarships. But your first step should be to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, commonly referred to as the FAFSA, which will allow you to receive a Pell Grant if your expected family contribution is low enough. The EFC criteria and award amounts are adjusted annually, but the 2017-2018 academic year awards range from $606 to $5,920, which could significantly lower the amount you borrow annually. Your next step is to apply for scholarships. You can start by checking online scholarship search engines, such as the Salt Scholarship Search, College Board's BigFuture and Peterson's. But don't forget to take advantage of local organizations and your school's financial aid office. Both may offer scholarships that you can't find with a national scholarship search. [Review these 10 sites to kick off your scholarship search.]For instance, organizations like the Elks Club, Knights of Columbus or the Rotary Club typically offer scholarships annually to local students. Just because you're going to school online doesn't mean you're ineligible. Visit your local library for scholarship listings, and ask around town. You might be surprised how many local organizations offer scholarships. While these scholarships typically aren't large, every little bit counts. Each dollar you receive in a scholarship is a dollar you don't have to borrow and pay interest on. -- Work-study: Another option for online students may be work-study awards. Not all students enrolled in online programs are eligible, but students at some schools -- including, for example, SUNY Empire State College and Liberty University -- are. Work-study awards are not given upfront like scholarships and grants. In most cases, they are an offer to earn up to the awarded amount if you secure an eligible work-study job. While there is a misconception that all work-study jobs must be on campus, students can work for off-campus, nonprofit or public employers as long as the work is in the public's interest. You may be able to work for a for-profit employer if the job is relevant to your course of study. No matter who the outside employer is, it will need to have an established agreement with your college for you to receive work-study funds. Remember, to be eligible for federal financial aid, you must be enrolled and pursuing a degree or certificate. If you're not working toward a credential, Pell Grants and work-study won't be option, but you may still be able to take advantage of private scholarships -- just be sure to read the eligibility criteria carefully. [Explore what to know about financial aid in online programs.]-- Pay as you go: One of the great benefits to enrolling online is the flexible schedule, which can allow you to complete your college coursework around your responsibilities. But prospective students often overlook using their part- or full-time job earnings as an option for paying for college. Almost 80 percent of college students in 2015 worked at least part time while attending classes, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. By budgeting and thinking strategically about your college costs, you can likely reduce your dependence on student loans by paying a portion out of pocket. Many -- but not all -- online programs are less expensive than traditional programs and often have shorter payment periods. Six, eight or 10 weeks are common course durations. Because of the frequency of payments in an online setting, you may be well-placed to pay as you go and possibly avoid borrowing altogether. Attending college online and avoiding student loans may be challenging, but if you are willing to put in the effort, you can limit the amount you need to borrow. More from U.S. News Q&A: Understanding Student Loan Discharge Eligibility Student Loan Refinancing Isn't Right for All Borrowers
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