So many places, so little time! Not sure where to vacation this summer? Here are some ideas to get you thinking about your next trip.
Tropical Hot Spots
Tried and true, add these locations to your bucket list. There’s a wide range of resort sizes and styles to fit you perfectly. Nonstop flights from major US cities
- Cancun – With its sandy white beaches and turquoise blue water, the Hotel Zone is as popular as ever with resorts that just keep getting better. Frequent flights and short ride from the airport makes this a super-convenient beach destination.
- Riviera Maya/Playa del Carmen – located just south of Cancun, this resort area offers many resorts in all sizes and price points. Great choices here for families, groups, and couples.
- Playa Mujeres – located just north of Cancun’s Hotel Zone, this area offers the region’s newest resort developments. Resorts here are in the 4 to 5 star range. Or, take the ferry to Isla Mujeres where you’ll find a handful of boutique-sized resorts for couples and adult friend groups.
- Cozumel – an island destination known primarily for great diving and snorkeling spots. Located off the coast of Playa del Carmen with its own airport.
- Puerto Vallarta – on Mexico’s Pacific side, Puerto Vallarta and neighboring Riviera Nayarit sit on the calm, scenic Banderas Bay. The city is charming and worth an afternoon stroll or two, and there are great zip line opportunities too.
- Los Cabos – on the tip of the Baja Peninsula, where the Sea of Cortez meets the Pacific Ocean. This is scenic and desert (imagine Tuscon with a beach). Famous for the golf but I go for the margaritas.
Hidden Gems
Looking for something a little different? These destinations may require more travel time but the end result is worth it.
- Ixtapa – this is a Pacific resort area set along a 16 mile stretch of sandy beaches and inlets. Nearby is the charming fishing village of Zihuatanejo with a handful of boutique beachfront hotels.
- Mazatlan – lively resort area with nightlife along Mexico’s Pacific coast.
- Manzanillo – a small Pacific coast resort with colonial charm and a laid back pace.
- Chetumal – for the adventure seeker looking for an unspoiled destination. On the Yucatan Peninsula, further south than Riviera Maya or Tulum. Getting here requires a connecting flight.
City Getaway
Looking for a long weekend getaway? Mexico City is a fun possibility. Popular “must see” attractions include the Frida Kahlo Museum, the great pyramid of Tenochtitlan (you can experience this by hot air balloon if you are daring), National Museum of Anthropology and the city historic center. Stay in a nice 5 star hotel, and enjoy the city’s fine dining options. |