Beware of strong sun, Cancún

The weather on the Caribbean coast changes with alarming frequency. One moment, you're basking in the sun; the next, you're fleeing from a freak storm. As you can see, sometimes you're just not prepared for the fury of near-hurricane force winds and rain.

For all the talk about the water, I think the worst hazard of Cancun and the Yucatan is the sun. Without protection, you can burn in a matter of minutes. Since Cancun is closer to the equator than the US and Europe, the rays are more direct and dangerous. Most Americans and Europeans don't respect this extra oomph. So wear sunscreen, and make it waterproof so that it won't wash off when you hit the surf.

And don't drink the water, yadda, yadda, yadda.