An insider's guide to planning the ultimate summer vacation

If you're interested in combining relaxation, culture, and sightseeing, Mexico's Riviera Maya is the perfect destination. The 100-mile stretch along the Caribbean coastline may be known for its many all-inclusive resorts, but there are also plenty of historical sites and activities to keep adventure-seeking travelers occupied.

Tulum, home to many yoga retreats and remnants of Mayan civilization, is less than an hour's drive away. Co.ConAmor, a healthy vegan restaurant featuring smoothies and cold-pressed juices, is a favorite among locals in Tulum. On the way to Tulum, you can stop by and see some of the many cenotes — natural pits or sinkholes once considered sacred for the Mayans — in the area, like Cenote Azul, Chinkin Ha, and El Eden.

For some history, you can sign up for a guided tour of Chichen Itza, the famous archaeological site — and a UNESCO World Heritage site — to learn about the Mayan-Toltec civilizations. After the 90-minute tour, feel free to explore the pyramid and surrounding buildings, including the Temple of Warriors, on your own.

Río Secreto, the "Secret River," is an underground river filled with thousands of dramatic stalactites and stalagmites where people can dive. For shopping and dining, go to La Quinta, a popular strip of 30 blocks lined with restaurants and bars. For a more hole-in-the-wall experience, follow the locals. At Riviera Maya, that's El Pirata, a casual seafood restaurant where generous portions of fish, ceviche, and shrimp are served.

The Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya is "not your parents' all-inclusive resort," according to Frank Maduro, VP of marketing for Hard Rock's All Inclusive Collection. The upscale resort features a la carte dining in addition to buffets, music memorabilia throughout the property, a nightclub, and even a team of "vibe managers" to create the right atmosphere.

Travelers ages 18 and up can opt to stay at Heaven, an 85-acre, adults-only retreat with a private beach — a popular choice for destination weddings. But the Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya also caters to families. At the end of this year, it will debut Camp Woodward, a facility where adults, teens, and kids can snowboard and ski indoors, learn parkour, or participate in a number of physical activities. The music-driven resort also offers Music Lab, a program where guests ages 12 and up can form their own rock bands and create music.

Another place to consider in the Riviera Maya is Dreams Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa, a luxurious resort for couples and families. Parents can enroll their children in the Explorer's Club for kids and Core Zone Teens Club for supervised day and evening activities. The Mayan-themed Explorer's Club features a planetarium, sandcastle contests, a pyramid-shaped climbing wall, and more. The entire Explorer's Club staff is American Red Cross-certified both in CPR and first aid.

Meanwhile, couples can spend time by the pool, enjoy a romantic dinner under the gazebo, tee off at a nearby golf course, dance at the Desires Music Lounge, or just relax in one of the resort's spacious rooms, which offer stunning ocean views.

Located on the easternmost tip of the Dominican Republic, Punta Cana is a popular among tourists for a reason: It has a high concentration of all-inclusive resorts. But if you're interested in venturing outside of the resorts, the area offers 40 miles of white beaches, a variety of water attractions (e.g. whale watching and kayaking), and 19 golf courses.

To get a sense of authentic Dominican culture, you can sign up for a safari excursion that takes people through the countryside via an open truck. You'll get to visit local schools while learning about the education system, eat a typical Dominican lunch (rice, chicken, and beans) and see animals and plants along the way. As an added bonus, the excursion company Outback Safari donates 50% of proceeds to the local community.

Another place to consider visiting is Isla Soana, a beautiful, government-protected island on the southeast tip of the Dominican Republic. Home to crystal clear waters and starfish, it's accessible by speedboat and is inhabited by only a few people.

It's helpful to brush up on Spanish — the official language in the Dominican Republic — before you go, although English is spoken at the resorts and nearby restaurants. The hottest season lasts from April to November, so pack light and bring plenty of sunscreen.

There may be plenty of all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana, but Riu Republica — the sixth RIU hotel in Punta Cana — is quite the contender if you're looking for a more sophisticated experience. Set to open in June, the 1,000-room, four-story property is situated on the stunning Arena Gorda beach and conveniently located near the airport.

"We’re opening a new category for adults-only clientele and targeting millennials who want the premium added value without having to pay an excessive price," says Hugo Aguilera de Alba, director of partner marketing and business development for RIU Hotel and Resorts.

On that note, there is free WiFi offered throughout the entire property, as well as a special wine menu, romantic dinners on the beach, and more. The resort features a daily entertainment program, including pool activities and nearly 20 different shows after dinner in an outdoor theater setting. You can swim at the two large infinity pools with sun terraces or the pool with a swim-up bar, dance at the discotheque, and visit the wellness center for a massage.

Families, couples, and friends can also stay at the new Riu Palace Bavaro, which is located within the same complex as Riu Palace Punta Cana, Riu Palace Macao, Riu Bambu, Riu Naiboa, and soon Riu Republica.

Enjoy a variety of restaurants, from the Montecristo buffet to themed restaurants — including fusion, Japanese, Italian, a steakhouse, and more — while being surrounded by lush gardens and beachfront views.

Guests can play tennis, volleyball, or even golf at the 18-hole golf course near the resort. There are tons of options for nighttime activities ranging from shows and live music to the Pacha club and El Millón casino. Children ages four to 12 can participate in daytime entertainment programs while adults take advantage of the pool and swim-up bar.

There's no country in the world better known for its roots in reggae than Jamaica. But beyond the music, Montego Bay, Jamaica's "second city" — and the capital of St. James Parish on Jamaica's north coast — features beautiful beaches, friendly locals, and unrivaled culture and history.

This major cruise ship port has many beach resorts and golf courses, and tourists often flock to Doctor's Cave Beach, go scuba diving among coral reefs at Montego Bay Marine Park, or zipline through the rainforest (Chukka Caribbean Adventures offers various zipline packages). Bamboo rafting is also unique to Jamaica — you can take a guided tour down one of Jamaica's rivers. Of course, the Luminous Lagoon (also called Glistening Waters) is the place to see glowing microorganisms.

If it's your first time in Jamaica, you must tour the Rose Hall Great House (pictured above), a historical site in Montego Bay that is rumored to be occupied by the White Witch of Rose Hall.

The local cuisine is another draw: For authentic Jamaican jerk chicken or pork, go to Scotchie's. (It tastes even better with a cold Red Stripe.)

Those who want to experience Jamaican food with a twist can try Sugar Mill at Half Moon Resort, a dinner-only, fine dining establishment requiring "casual-elegant" attire. The restaurant is located inside of an alcove beside a 17th-century water mill.

As one of the largest all-inclusive resorts on the island, Grand Palladium Jamaica Resort & Spa has something for everyone, whether it's families, couples, or groups of friends. The beachfront-facing property features a fully-equipped spa, freshwater pools, and Jamaican jerk chicken and pork at its restaurant, the Jerk Hut.

Families can take advantage of the resort's kid-friendly program, Play at Palladium with Raggs, which includes five colorful characters from the Raggs TV show as on-site ambassadors who host activities, poolside events, a 5o-minute live show, and more.

As for couples, the Palladium recently renovated the Honeymoon Villa Suites, which offer oceanfront views, an outdoor shower and large Jacuzzi tub, and a Roman decor-inspired wellness center. Couples can receive spa treatments that combine native Jamaican ingredients and products.

Travelers who are looking for an all-night party should look no further than Cabo San Lucas, located on the southern tip of Mexico's Baja California Peninsula. What used to be a sleepy fishing port has transformed into one of the most popular resort destinations in the world. In fact, Cabo is rated one of Mexico's top five tourist destinations.

Cabo is separated into three main areas: San Jose del Cabo (the "Old Town" located near the airport), Cabo San Lucas (the "Main Town," the restaurant and nightlife hub), and the Corridor (the highway that connects San Jose and Cabo San Lucas, which is lined with golf courses and resorts along the coastline). Approximately 60 miles north of Cabo San Lucas is Cabo Pulmo, a national marine park with the only living coral reef in the Sea of Cortes — it's the perfect spot for scuba diving or snorkeling.

Cabo is best known for its beaches — such as Playa El Médano, Cabo's main beach — and nightlife. After experiencing some of the lively parties, you can explore one of Mexico's most famous natural wonders: El Arco, a distinctive rock formation located at the southern tip of Cabo. You can also try ziplining, take an ATV tour, or explore the colonial town of Todos Santos, which is known for its cultural history and proximity to the beach.

For those who want to see whales — particularly the Great Whale — Cabo San Lucas is the place to go. "Whale watching is the main thing to do here," says Cuauhtemoc Giron, destination manager at Amstar DMC Los Cabos. "They come here every year from November until April."

For a unique and fresh meal, make reservations for dinner at Flora Farm, a 10-acre organic farm located in the foothills of the Sierra de la Laguna mountains. Another great choice is Don Sanchez, an upscale Mexican restaurant in San Jose del Cabo's downtown square (less than 40 minutes away from Cabo San Lucas).

Travelers ages 18 and up should head to Breathless Cabo San Lucas Resort & Spa, a brand new, adults-only resort in Cabo San Lucas. It's located on El Medano Beach, one of the only swimmable beaches in Cabo San Lucas, next to the marina.

In addition to beachfront views, the resort offers a club-like atmosphere and a heavy focus on nightlife, including performances, live music, and special weekly and monthly themed events. There are also beer pong tournaments, cocktail tasting sessions, paddle yoga, and DJ lessons.

Couples, friends, and solo travelers can take advantage of special offers such as Solo Traveler Savings and 3's a Party, where every third girl stays free.

Visit Apple Vacations to learn more about these amazing getaways.

This post is sponsored by Apple Vacations.