Best Mexico Vacation Packages

When’s the Best Time for a Mexico Vacation?

“Best time” in Mexico depends on where you go, but broadly: November through April is the high (drier) season along the coast.

- On the Caribbean side (Cancun, Riviera Maya), the peak runs December-March. Rainfall typically picks up in summer (July-September).

- On the Pacific coast (Puerto Vallarta, Los Cabos), the shoulder months (March-May, September-October) offer warm weather without crowding.

- Inland destinations (Mexico City, Oaxaca, colonial towns) can be visited year-round, but rainy season (June-September) will bring frequent afternoon storms.

If you’re chasing deals, late spring (May-June) or early fall (September-October) often have lower prices for Cancun all-inclusive resorts.

Vacation Destinations: Best Places to Visit in Mexico

Mexico is huge and diverse. Here are some of the most popular and rewarding spots to consider for your trip.

Here are frequent standouts: Cancun, Cabo San Lucas, Playa del Carmen, Mexico City, Tulum, San Miguel de Allende, Puerto Vallarta.

Let’s break them into categories:

Beach & resort hubs:
Cancun / Riviera Maya - the iconic all-inclusive corridor, with a huge resort zone, easy access to Mayan ruins and cenotes.
Cabo San Lucas / Los Cabos - in Baja California Sur, dramatic coastlines, luxury resorts, desert-meets-sea vibes.
Puerto Vallarta - charming blend of beach, jungle, art, and coastal town life.

Historic, cultural & inland gems:
Mexico City - a metropolis of museums, food, markets, and nearby ruins (Teotihuacan).
Oaxaca / colonial towns - traditional food, indigenous culture, crafts, and colorful streets.
San Miguel de Allende / Guanajuato - cobbled streets, charming architecture, relaxed pace.
Yucatan countryside - Mérida, Valladolid, cenotes, haciendas, hidden Maya sites.

If your trip budget allows, consider pairing a resort stay with a mid-length inland or colonial-town stay. The contrast adds depth to a Mexico vacation.

Vacation Ideas & Styles: All-Inclusive and Beyond

When people search for “all inclusive Mexico,” they often imagine a resort that covers lodging, meals, drinks, and some amenities. That’s exactly what many Cancun or Cabo resorts offer, and it’s a hassle-free way to relax.

Here are some vacation styles you might mix or choose from.

Classic all-inclusive resort stays
This is the go-to for many travelers who want to “lock in” costs and minimize decisions. In Cancun, for example, you’ll find dozens of all-inclusive resort options with buffet & à la carte food, drinks, pools, and entertainment.
Some top picks (Cancun): Hyatt Zilara Cancun, Hilton Cancun Mar Caribe, GR Solaris Cancun, Le Blanc Spa Resort, Excellence Playa Mujeres. Grand Riviera Princess / Sunset Princess as more budget-friendly all-inclusives.

Resort + day trips
You stay in an all-inclusive resort as a base, but you venture out on day trips: ruins, cenotes, local towns. This combines comfort and exploration. Many tours depart from Cancun/Riviera Maya resorts into places like Tulum, Coba, Chichen Itza.
This style gives you flexibility to get off the resort bubble without overpacking logistics.

Multi-region / road-trip style
Pick a few regions (e.g. Mexico City → Oaxaca → Riviera Maya) and travel by domestic flight or bus between them. You’ll experience city life, culture, local food, and beach time. This style is more adventurous, more planning, but richer.

Special interest trips
Culinary tours, eco-lodges in jungle or rainforest, diving & marine adventures (e.g. in the Yucatan reef), wellness & spa escapes. Mexico has luxury resorts tailored for wellness or boutique flavors.

How Much Does a Mexico Vacation Cost?

Costs depend heavily on where you stay, how many nights, and how much you move around. But here’s a rough breakdown, to help you benchmark.

All-inclusive resort stays (Cancun / Riviera Maya)
- Mid-tier resorts: USD $200-350 per night (per room) including meals & drinks.
- Luxury / premium: USD $400-700+ per night.
- Budget all-inclusive (lower-end options): $100-200 range, though in those tiers expect simpler amenities.

Other costs
- Domestic flights / transfers between regions: $50-200 per segment (depending on distance)
- Local transport (buses, shuttles, taxis): modest, especially in tourist areas
- Tours & entrances (ruins, cenotes, parks): $10-100 each
- Food & drinks outside resort: moderate; local restaurants tend to be good value
- Tips, souvenirs, incidentals: set aside $10-$30/day per person as a buffer (even in all-inclusives, tips & extras apply)

Sample 7-day Cancun all-inclusive + day trips
Accommodation (mid-level resort): ~$1,400
Flights (from U.S.): ~$400-700 roundtrip
Day trips & transfers & extras: ~$300-500
Total (for two): $2,500-3,500 (ballpark)

Is It Safe to Travel in Mexico (Especially in Resorts)?

The short answer: yes, especially in well-traveled and tourist-focused areas - with common-sense precautions.

Here’s what the latest sources tell us:

- The Yucatán Peninsula (Cancun, Tulum, Mérida) is often cited as one of the safer regions for American tourists.
- Cancun specifically has taken active measures: more surveillance cameras, security improvements, apps for visitor alerts.
- Many resort areas enforce 24/7 security, patrols, and safe zones to contain risk.
- That said, risks exist: petty theft, drink safety (tainted alcohol is sometimes cited in resort contexts), and local crime in non-tourist areas.

For more details, please read Mexico travel advisory.

Safety Tips

• Use the resort’s security services and follow their rules (don’t wander into risky neighborhoods at night).
• Stay in well-reviewed resorts in tourist zones.
• Don’t overindulge in unverified drinks.
• Keep valuables secure; use hotel safes.
• Use registered transport or resort-arranged shuttles.
• Carry copies of your documents; avoid flashing expensive gear in crowds.
• Stay updated on local advisories, especially if traveling in rainy or storm‐season (e.g. flooding risks).

Mexico Vacation Planning Tips

Here’s a practical checklist to help your planning flow more smoothly.

Weather & packing
Pack light layers: lightweight breathable clothes, sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses), a rain shell if traveling in shoulder/rain season.
If visiting inland or highlands (like Mexico City), bring a sweater - nights can cool off.
For beaches, bring reef-safe sunscreen, swimwear, quick-dry clothing, a reusable water bottle, and comfortable walking shoes.

Language & communication
Spanish is the dominant language. In tourist zones many staff speak English, but knowing basic phrases helps.
Apps like Google Translate are handy.
Learning a few greetings (hola, gracias, por favor) shows respect and opens doors.

Currency & money
The Mexican peso (MXN) is the official currency. Many places also quote USD, especially resorts, but paying in pesos often gives better value.
ATMs are common in cities and tourist areas, though fees may apply.
Bring backup payment methods (credit card, some cash).
In all-inclusive resorts, you’ll mostly consume within the package; extras (spa, excursions, tips) may require pesos or credit card.

Culture & customs
Mexicans value politeness. Greet people with “Buenos días/tardes/noches,” and say “por favor” and “gracias.”
Tipping is expected (often 10-20% in restaurants or for tour guides). In resorts, tip staff such as bellhops, housekeepers, and servers.
Respect local traditions, dress codes (e.g. modest attire in churches), and photography rules. Learn a bit about history and culture - knowing about the Maya, Aztec heritage, local crafts, or regional food enhances your enjoyment.

Health & safety
Check required vaccinations and carry any necessary medications.
Use drinkable bottled or filtered water if recommended.
Watch out for food hygiene; in resorts it’s typically reliable, but in street food settings pick busy stalls with turnover.
Travel insurance is always wise, especially for medical, trip cancellation, and emergency evacuation coverage.

Itinerary ideas
- Don’t overload: allow some buffer days to rest or adapt.
- If staying in a resort hub (Cancun / Riviera Maya), schedule 1-2 full-day excursions (ruins, cenotes, jungle).
- In multi-region trips, group nearby spots: e.g. Mexico City + Teotihuacan in one leg, then fly to the coast.
- Use local tour companies or hotel-recommended guides for safety and ease.
- Book in advance for popular attractions and transfers - especially in peak season.

Enjoy your planning - Mexico has so much richness waiting for you, from beach-front relaxation to cultural surprises. With these tips, your vacation can be not just beautiful, but smart and safe.