Cancun may get more attention, especially during Spring Break season, but its sister city to the south is the real gem of the Riviera Maya.

Here are my recommendations for making the most of your time in Playa:

The Temple of the Lizard King in Tulum. (Photograph by Scott Ingram, Flickr)

Historic Site: Tulum

You can’t experience the new Riviera Maya without paying tribute to its roots. Get a glimpse of the Maya in one of the last cities they inhabited. The fact that Tulum is the only Maya city built on the coast makes it a bit of a tourist trap, but it’s well worth a visit. The Castillo, which sits on the edge of a limestone cliff, is a highlight, and provides sweeping views of the ruins.

Beachside Bliss: A Massage at Playa del Carmen Beach

Playa del Carmen Beach runs the entire length of the city and serves as its focal point for obvious reasons. Lounging on the sand is relaxing enough, but you’re on vacation, right? Up the indulgence ante by snagging a massage from a walk-up beachside masseur (look for small tents). The location is unbeatable and the price is reasonable (I paid about $25 USD for a 70-minute session).

Ocean Activity: Deep-Sea Fishing

Scuba diving and snorkeling are popular Caribbean activities, but why not try a different brand of high-seas adventure? You’ll find boats just waiting to take folks out on fishing excursions. Captains catch their own bait (sardines) right in front of you on the shore. Once your bucket is full, you’ll be whisked away to deeper waters to catch mahi-mahi, snapper, and even billfish.

Street Scene: La Quinta Avenida

Playa del Carmen overflows with fresh produce and fruits of the sea. (Photograph by David Gordillo, Flickr)

La Quinta Avenida (Spanish for “Fifth Avenue”), conveniently located between the beach and many of the best accommodations, has everything from posh nightclubs to quaint second-floor restaurants. Watch as tourists and locals bump elbows purchasing anything from straw fedoras to expensive tequila. Enjoy a quiet meal and shopping during the day and dancing at night.

Local Attraction: Xcaret Park

If you feel the need to leave your beach chair and get some exercise, Xcaret Park proves an ideal day trip. Offering everything from natural lagoons and cultural performances to swimming with sharks and scuba diving, this “eco theme park” has something for everyone.

Fresh Flavor: Fish Tacos

Fish tacos are ubiquitous — and delicious — in Playa del Carmen. Between the fresh-caught fish and the traditional Mexican sauces, you simply can’t go wrong with this local staple. That said, it can be shockingly difficult to find authentic cuisine. Save some time by checking out the always-busy Yaxche on La Quinta Avenida. Despite its location (close to a Starbucks), the food is 100 percent Maya.

Dream Stay: Mahekal Beach Resort

Paradise found. While there are scads of high-rise hotels in Playa, the Mahekal Beach Resort, a small boutique outfit that boasts beautiful beachfront bungalows and lush tropical landscaping, is ideal for travelers who value authentic experiences. Whether you’re lounging in a hammock on your private deck or under a palapa-style umbrella on the beach, you will feel worlds away from the craziness of La Quinta Avenida, while being close enough to enjoy all the street has to offer.

Erin Block is an editorial assistant at National Geographic Traveler magazine. Follow her story on Instagram and on Twitter @ErinSBlock.

Though there are many ways to see Thailand, touring markets is one of the best ways to experience the cultural intersections that make this southeast Asian gem so unique. And that intersection is on fabulous display in Thailand’s capital city.

Here are four markets in and around Bangkok that give visitors a taste of local flavor — in every sense of the word — any time of year:

Two Thai women sell handmade jasmine garlands at Bangkok’s Flower Market. (Photograph by Erin Block)

Spring: The Flower Market (Pak Khlong Talat)

Don’t be surprised when you step out of the Hua Lamphong railway station in Bangkok’s Chinatown and forget to move. The Pak Khlong Market is a stunning sight, with vendors offering brightly colored flowers and gorgeous garlands.

It’s easy to find lilies, roses, marigolds, and orchids — but it seems as though you could find any flower in the world over here. I saw many customers walk away with heaping armloads of flowers and wondered where they’d end up. This market is a field day for the senses, but the smell can become overwhelming.

Summer: The Floating Market (Damnoen Saduak)

The floating markets are a favorite for tourists and locals alike. But during peak hours, the flood of out-of-towners can scare away the locals and the best of local culture. A few truly authentic floating markets remain, and Dumnern Saduak is one of them. Vendors float along in their small canoes selling everything from spices and vegetables to clothing and handmade goods. It’s common for sellers to barter with each other. Vendors selling coconut soup can usually obtain everything they need without spending one baht. Be sure to sample it while you’re there.

Fall: The Maeklong Market (Samut Songkhram)

Hot peppers on offer at Maeklong Market. (Photograph by Erin Block)

It is true what they say. This is the most dangerous market in the world. Why? Because trains run about eight times a day…directly through the market!

Vendors who have sold here for generations have refused to vacate, and when the train’s horn blow, they simply move their dragon fruit and freshly caught fish out of the danger zone without blinking an eye. Then, just as swiftly, the train moves on and market life continues as if the train was never there. Visitors are obvious here, as they are the only ones with wide eyes frantically jumping off the train tracks.

The best passionfruit money can buy. (Photograph by Erin Block)

Winter: The Market for the Rich (Or Tor Kor)

Easily distinguished from others nearby, this market can be identified by expensive prices, its sumptuous array of offerings, and its location indoors.

It’s called the Market for the Rich for a reason: Only the best cuts of meat and the juiciest fruit are sold here. One hundred marigolds here can be triple the price you’d pay at the Flower Market, but it’s well worth your while.

Take your time tasting as much as you can. Trust me: you won’t find better quality in one place anywhere else in Thailand.

Erin Block is an editorial assistant at National Geographic Traveler magazine. Follow her story on Instagram and on Twitter @ErinSBlock.

Do you have tips to add? Leave a comment to share your insight with our travel community.

Most people don’t exactly look forward to long flights, but they don’t have to inspire dread, either.

If you’re like me and can’t afford to upgrade to business or first class, here are a few tips to keep you going while you’re stuck in coach.

Buy Right 

Arrive early to snag a coveted exit row seat. (Photograph by Jetstar Airways, Flickr)

Airlines that aren’t based in the United States tend to offer better amenities on long flights — like personal televisions, eye masks, slippers, and free wine with dinner. All other things being equal, go with the international option. And take note of your departure and arrival times — and time differences — when booking your flight. Paying close attention to these details can help alleviate the effects of jetlag.

Get the right gear

Just because you can’t splurge on business class doesn’t mean you can’t splurge on other things — like quality sleep gear. Eye masks, earplugs, neck pillows, and blankets are a must on a long haul. I recommend the Nap travel flight kit. In addition to being incredibly soft, the inflatable items won’t take up valuable carry-on space.

The Early Bird Gets the Exit Row

The best advice I received as I prepared for a flight from D.C. to Bangkok was to arrive at the check-in desk four hours early to request an exit row. Note: sitting in the exit row means accepting the responsibility to assist in the event of an emergency, but if you are happy to help, the extra leg room is worth it — especially if you’re tall. And, if you like an aisle seat, the people next to you will not have to climb over you to go the bathroom.

Test Before Take-off

Make sure to test your sleep aid at home. (Photograph by Ola Erik Blæsterdalen, Flickr)

If you’re planning to use a sleep aid to snooze through your flight, be sure to test it out at home. That way if you have an adverse reaction, you won’t experience it at 30,000 feet. Another tip: don’t take any sleep aids until you’re in the air. If your flight gets waylaid on the runway, you’ll have a hard time staying awake to deplane.

Embrace Your Inner Couch Potato

Don’t underestimate the power of movies, music, television, and books to help you through your sedentary slog. Your airline may provide movies or even a personal television screen, but it might not take long to exhaust your options. Before you leave, load a robust array of digitized entertainment onto your laptop, tablet, or handheld device. You won’t regret it.

To Work… or Not Work

There’s nothing wrong with using your down time to get some much-needed work done. And hey, you may even be ahead of the game by the time you land. But most people’s eyes are bigger than their stomachs when it comes to working

Listen to your body: If you're wide awake, watch movies or read. (Photograph by Jetstar Airways, Flickr)

on a flight. Be realistic: bring other things to keep you occupied.

Follow Your Instincts

Listen to what your body is telling you. If you feel tired, sleep. (Don’t fret about missing meals when you’re sleeping: You can always ask the flight attendant to bring you some food or snacks when you wake up.) If you are wide awake, watch movies or read. But whatever you do, it’s important to find small ways to exercise on long flights. Arm circles, leg lifts, and walking are all good options.

Lose the Hangover

Many international flights offer complimentary wine or beer with meals. Tossing back a drink may seem like a good way to pass the time or calm anxiety, but beware. Surviving a long flight is about being comfortable the entire time, not just the first couple hours — and a plane is just about the worst place to cope with a hangover.

Erin Block is an editorial assistant at National Geographic Traveler magazine. Follow Erin’s story on Instagram and on Twitter @ErinSBlock.

Do you have tips to add? Leave a comment to share your insight with our travel community.