Recently there have been unending reports of unrest in Tijuana, causing Mexican tourism to drop off sharply.
The fact is there are still plenty of areas in Mexico far away from the turmoil at the border that offer you and your family to escape from it all on a budget.
The Mexican Peso is still fairly weak against the U.S. dollar, which keeps it affordable. If you are self-employed or otherwise must travel pennywise, this could be the perfect destination for you.
The Beauty of Baja
One of the fastest growing resort areas in Baja is Cabo San Lucas. It has been a popular destination for cruise ships for years, and is now coming into its own as a destination vacation. Cabo surrounds a large bay of warm, clear water that is ideal for all manner of water sports, from snorkeling and scuba diving to water skiing or sport fishing.
Visit the small beach adjacent to the famous arch for one of the best snorkeling spots in Cabo. The arch serves as “lands end,” the farthest point south on the Baja Peninsula. The water on the protected side is crystal clear and calm enough for beginners to strap on some fins and explore.
There are now a myriad of resorts lining the beaches of Cabo, and most of them have staked out the prime spots. Stay in one of these beautiful hotels to get access to prime beach property.
If you are getting away from the day to day schedule that many professionals and entrepreneurs have, you may prefer privacy. There are gated communities atop the cliffs overlooking the Pacific that can be rented on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis.
The Mayan Riviera
Another often overlooked resort area is Riviera Maya. In the State of Quintana Roo, you will find dozens of beautiful all-inclusive hotels about a one hour drive south of Cancun. It is a perfect destination if you want to escape the crowds and noise of Mexico’s most famous party city.
The Mayan Riviera is full of white sand beaches and crystal clear, warm water. Snorkeling is prime here, and many of the resorts offer dive certification classes or dive excursions.
For a taste of history, venture out and explore the ruins. Riviera Maya is conveniently located within a short drive of Tulum, whose stone pyramids and monuments perched Cliffside over the Caribbean will delight you.
About two hours away by car are the ruins of Chichen Itza. For a truly astonishing ruins escapade, it is well worth the trip to get there. You can rent a car at the resort, or take one of the many bus tours that visit the ruins daily.
Chichen Itza is over 3,000 years old, and is the biggest and most complete set of ruins to be found in Mexico. The great pyramid has two stone serpent heads at the base of the giant staircase running up the front of the ruin. It was built so that every year on the spring and fall equinoxes, precisely at sunset, the staircase and serpent heads are illuminated to appear as if a giant serpent is making its way down the structure.
You can take a guided tour of Chichen Itza, or spend the day with your family exploring the engineering wonders built ages ago.
Ease of Access
Mexico is very easily accessible, whether by boat, by plane, or by car. Once there, you will find the people friendly, the food plentiful, and the scenery amazing. It is truly one of the most overlooked vacation destinations around, especially considering the great value you will find there. Vaya con Dios, y bienvenidos a Mexico.
