I’ll admit it – I’m biased. I love Mexico. I’ve been twice so far this year – once to Riviera Maya and once to Riviera Nayarit – and am hoping for a third trip later this year. That may be a little aggressive, even for a super fan like me, but the deals are so good right now, I’m not sure I can stay away.
Yes, Mexico has had more than its fair share of trouble this year. In the early part of the year, it was border violence. More recently, it was the H1N1 virus. But I encourage you to educate yourself with all the critical information before writing off a destination. For example – did you know that the distance between tourist destinations and border towns is often thousands of miles? And neither the World Health Organization nor the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend any travel restrictions to Mexico or anywhere else for that matter.
These facts, combined with hard numbers, leads to my bold statement: Mexico is this summer’s best-value international vacation destination. If you spent as much time as I did thinking about, talking about and dreaming about travel deals, I think you would agree.
According to Travelocity data, airfare to Mexico is down 28 percent from last summer, as compared to 9 percent to the Caribbean and 21 percent to Canada. Just as I was writing this post, an email popped up in my inbox. Mexicana Airlines’ ‘South of the Border’ sale: round-trip flights from $149 (book by June 16, travel by October 31.)
Now, airfare sales are great, but don’t get so fixated on the cost of your flight you neglect the incredible deals at hotels and resorts. Yes, room rates are down across the board (11 percent in Cancun, 7 percent in Puerto Vallarta, 6 percent in Cabo), but it’s the value-add promotions that really pop. Five to consider:
1. Cancun area: Hotel Marina El Cid Spa & Beach Resort. 4-star All Inclusive offering 40 percent off room rates; two kids under 12 stay and eat free; $600 in resort credit coupons; and a free room upgrade.
2. Los Cabos: Presidente InterContinental Los Cabos All Inclusive. 3.5-star resort with kids under 12 stay and eat free; free ATV tour promo.
3. Puerto Vallarta: The Westin Resort & Spa. 4-star hotel offers kids 12 and under eat free from kids menu.
4. Riviera Nayarit: Dreams Villamagna Nuevo Vallarta All Inclusive. 4-star resort offering 50 percent off room rates, plus $200 resort credit in coupons. Book by July 13, travel by December 23.
5. Riviera Maya: Secrets Capri Riviera Cancun Adult Only All Inclusive. 4.5-star resort offers 50percent off rates and $200 in resort credit.
Based on my visits to Mexico earlier this year, I do have two personal recommendations. For families, Hacienda Tres Rios comes to mind – an all-inclusive, family run, eco-friendly resort on the Riviera Maya offering 30 percent off rates. For honeymooners and couples seeking a luxury experience, there is perhaps no better place than the new St. Regis Punta Mita with its signature private butler service, stunning pools and beautifully appointed rooms. Being flexible with your dates is the key to savings – rates are over $100 less per night in July and August as compared to June.
Comments
Jun 15, 2009
I would suggest Guadalajara in Mexico during summer. My sister went to school for a summer there.
Anyone from the states (like me!) would think Mexico in the summer is the worst place in the world to be. However, Guadalajara is in the mountains and is very pleasant year round. The average temperature YEAR ROUND averages 73-90 (see link below). Someone told me they don't have heat or air conditioning there!
My sister had a great time there. Hope you do too!
Jul 21, 2009
I admit that i fell inlove with this place. I have visited Mexico several times and been to Cabo San Lucas and ate at 12 tribes restaurant. At 12 Tribes, you’ll be taken back in time through the culinary masterpieces that make up every course. I love their Beef Filet Carpaccio, finely sliced accompanied with a bouquet of farm-fresh lettuces with a coriander, mustard, fresh pepper vinaigrette and shaved parmesan cheese for $ 120.00.
Aug 20, 2009
Mexico is great option for summer.Things to do - lay on the beach------swim----be sure to use a lot of sun screen----anyhow----be sure to steer clear of tourist traps----these are a lot more common in less-wealthy nations that back in America----
Aug 21, 2009
I have visited Mexico several times and been to Cabo San Lucas and ate at 12 tribes restaurant. At 12 Tribes, you’ll be taken back in time through the culinary masterpieces that make up every course. I love their Beef Filet Carpaccio, finely sliced accompanied with a bouquet of farm-fresh lettuces with a coriander, mustard, fresh pepper vinaigrette and shaved parmesan cheese for $ 120.00.
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