Don't have a big budget but still want to have a great vacation in the Riviera Maya? Your fist consideration should be the timing of your visit. In order to take advantage of the best airfares and hotel rates, you should go during low-season, from May to November (you may notice that these dates correspond to hurricane season - you save some money but you take your chances). Look for budget accommodations in Playa del Carmen or Tulum. If flying into the Cancun airport, the Riviera bus company provides bus service from the airport to Playa del Carmen, so you can avoid Cancun completely. And don't worry that you'll be bored, there are plenty of affordable or free activities in the Mayan Riviera.