Looking for a special adventure off the tourist trail? Bacalar, located in the south of Quintana Roo, might be the perfect destination. This quaint Caribbean settlement abounds with natural beauty and is steeped in history. The Maya lived here during Pre-Columbian times, naming the area and its beautiful lagoon for the dense reeds that surrounded it. The settlement was later taken by Spanish Conquistadores until pirates invaded and sacked the town in 1642. Bacalar was rebuilt and, in 1792, further protected by the Fortress de San Felipe Bacalar– a magnificent structure that can still be explored today.

In 2006, Mexico’s Secretary of Tourism bestowed a special title on Bacalar in recognition of its historical significance, great traditions and unique attractions. Known as a “Pueblo Magico,” Bacalar promises a magical experience for visitors, especially those who enjoy watersports!

Popular attractions in Bacalar

The star attraction here is the Laguna Bacalar, a massive crystalline lake that dazzles with multiple colors of water. Due to its immense size, visitors might think they’re staring out on the Caribbean Sea! Kayaking across the lake is a popular activity, as is sailing, swimming and even fishing. There are also pontoon boat tours that offer glimpses of the verdant jungles and mangroves that frame the shores. Locals call it the “Lago de los Siete Colores,” the lake of seven colors, because of the vibrant hues rendered by the mix of fresh and salt water.

The Cenote Azul is Bacalar’s second claim to fame. At nearly 300 feet deep and 600 feet wide, this natural sinkhole is one of the largest in the Yucatan. The water is clear and clean and excellent for scuba diving and snorkeling. The cenote is also a favorite swimming spot for locals and visitors. After working up an appetite, you can grab a meal at a restaurant that is perched on the rim of the cenote. Lifejackets are available for rent here.

Brush up on the history of Bacalar with a stop at the San Felipe Fort and museum. Informative exhibits detail what local life was like in the settlement during the Spanish conquest, after the pirate invasions and during the Yucatan’s Caste War.

The state of Quintana Roo is home to several Mayan archeological sites, some of which are convenient to Bacalar. Plan a day trip to the impressive ruins of Dzibanche, where the Maya reined from 300 to 900 A.D. Also close by is Kohunlich, a grandiose complex noted for its temple pool. It is believed that the water’s reflection was used to reflect the stars and make astronomical deductions.

Your Mexico Vacation Rental Experts

No matter where your travels take you in Mexico, Sea Side Reservations can help you find the perfect vacation property. Our inventory of beachfront condos, villas and fully-furnished homes is unparalleled, and you won’t find better customer service anywhere else.

Take advantage of 5-star luxury at an affordable price and check out our amazing rentals in popular destinations like Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Riviera Nayarit, Puerto Vallarta and Rocky Point!

Read More about Bacalar Attractions:

1. Fodor’s Travel, Bacalar https://www.fodors.com/world/mexico-and-central-america/mexico/the-riviera-maya/places/bacalar
2. Cancun.com, Multicolored Magical Bacalar https://www.cancun.com/blog/multicolored-magical-bacalar
3. Travel Yucatan, Things to Do in Bacalar https://travelyucatan.com/things-to-do-in-bacalar/

Riviera Nayarit was once considered off Mexico’s “beaten path,” but recent tourism figures indicate sweeping changes for this extraordinary destination. According to statistics from the Riviera Nayarit Convention & Visitors Bureau, 2017 was a wildly successful year for tourism in the region, with travelers generating some $200 million in revenue. Last year also realized new heights in hotel occupancy rates, with 4-star resorts reporting occupancy rates at nearly 95 percent.

Private investors – along with federal funding—has sparked a wave of new developments, including 5-star properties, luxury residences, infrastructure and other amenities to enhance the region’s vacation appeal.

Tourism growth in Riviera Nayarit

“Riviera Nayarit is a destination like no other… Our versatility and appeal have translated into recent success for our pristine destination, from resort town Nuevo Vallarta to the historic village of San Blas, celebrity haven Punta de Mita, surfing mecca Sayulita, and everything in between,” said Mark Murphy, acting manager of the Riviera Nayarit Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Situated on Mexico’s Pacific Coast, just north of Puerto Vallarta, Riviera Nayarit may be attracting record numbers of visitors, but you’ll still find quiet stretches of beach and fewer tourists at local attractions.

The region encompasses 200 miles of coastline, nearly two dozen villages, and is home to a growing selection of world-class hotels along with delightful villas and rental homes. This area is garnering a stellar reputation for incredible cuisine, spas and wellness centers, and outdoor adventure sports like zip lining, scuba diving, boating, whale watching, surfing, sport fishing and ATV riding.

New properties opening 2018-2020

The Riviera Nayarit welcomed several developments last year, including the Krystal Grand Nuevo Vallarta, which boasts the city’s largest convention center. Additional properties are slated to open the latter half of this year and into 2019, including:

• Costa Canuva CIP – a luxury 5,500-acre development spotlighting the area’s first Fairmont Hotels & Resorts property and a new golf course designed by Greg Norman and Lorena Ochoa
• Cirque du Soleil Theme Park featuring evening shows to more than 5,000 spectators
• Mandarina Polo and Equestrian Club – a top-notch facility with polo grounds, stables, and dressage/jumping arenas.
• Secrets Punta de Mita Resort & Spa is set to open its doors in Riviera Nayarit by 2020

Vacation rentals in Riviera Nayarit

Riviera Nayarit has many inviting ways to unwind or get your adrenaline pumping. Whatever your travel style, the experts at Sea Side Reservations can help you plan the ultimate escape to coastal Mexico. We have beautiful, fully-furnished vacation rentals, villas and bungalows in the Riviera Nayarit, Puerto Vallarta and other popular beach destinations. If you’re looking for a comfortable, spacious yet affordable rental for your Mexico vacation, we’ve got you covered.

Book your beachfront rental today by calling 1-888-262-4508!

Additional Resources on Riviera Nayarit Travel:

1. TravelAgentCentral, Riviera Nayarit’s $200 Million Tourism Industry Continues to Grow https://www.travelagentcentral.com/destinations/riviera-nayarit-s-200-million-tourism-industry-continues-to-thrive
2. Fodor’s Travel, First-Timer’s Guide to Riviera Nayarit, Mexico https://www.fodors.com/news/guide-to-riviera-nayarit-mexico-7036
3. MexicoNewsDaily, More Tourism Growth in Riviera Nayarit https://mexiconewsdaily.com/news/more-tourism-growth-in-riviera-nayarit/
4. RivieraNarayit, Nayarit – A Stunning Treasure Awaits You http://www.rivieranayarit.com/about/

Move over Millennials, there’s a new group of influencers who are shaking up the travel industry: Generation Z. Most experts agree that Gen Zers were born in the mid-1990’s, making the older echelons of this cohort around 23 years old. That’s old enough to purchase their own flight tickets and travel abroad.

Even if their journeys are financed by mom and dad, this tech-savvy group has major buying power. According to the US Chamber of Commerce Foundation, Generation Z heavily influences their families’ travel choices – which totals some $600 billion each year.

Characteristics of Generation Z

Since Gen Zers make up the largest age cohort in our nation’s history, it’s no surprise that marketers are spending big bucks to win their attention, and business. Research shows that this social media-habituated generation, which are largely offspring of Gen Xers – were raised to be self-sufficient independent thinkers.

Unlike Millennials, who can still remember when smart phones were a novelty, Gen Xers grew up with the iPhone. The Internet, social media and technology are an integral part of this generation, which has been bitten hard by the travel bug. Generation Z not only has discretionary money to spend on travel, they are hard-wired to do online research to find the highest-rated, most unique experiences.

According to a senior director at Expedia Media Solutions, Gen Zers are more likely than their older cohorts to travel internationally. They are also more likely to seek out “homestays,” rural tourism offerings and more authentic travel experiences.

5 Ways Gen Zers are Influencing Travel

1. Take an active role in researching and planning family trips
2. Influence their peers’ travel decisions via online reviews, social media platforms and word of mouth
3. Prefer unusual destinations
4. Are more open to “alternative” accommodations
5. Looking for travel experiences they can share on Instagram and other social outlets

Because Gen Zers are so attuned to sharing videos, pictures and commentary online, their travel destinations and chosen activities tend to be those that are highly Instagramable. Like ziplining over a rainforest canopy at 50 mph or sharing GoPro footage of themselves swimming with dolphins.

This year’s top family destinations

Virtuoso, a luxury travel agency network, conducted a survey on recent travel trends, finding that Gen Zers are playing a big role in how families plan their yearly vacations. Their analysis shows that beach resort stays and eco-adventure destinations remain popular, especially in regards to multi-generational vacations. Warm-weather locales like Mexico, Hawaii and Costa Rica beckon families in search of authentic culture, adventure and a diverse range of outdoor activities.

Gen Zers are also influencing choice of vacation accommodations. Since they tend to crave environments that foster social connection, vacation homes have overtaken traditional hotel stays.

Vacation rentals in coastal Mexico

Reach out to Sea Side Mexico to learn more about our exceptional vacation homes, villas, condos and properties in the country’s most stunning locales. From La Paz and Cancun to the Riviera Nayarit, you won’t find a better selection or price points!

Additional Resources on Generation Z Travel Trends:

1. Travel Agent Central, Virtuoso: Gen Z to Drive Luxury Family Travel This Summer https://www.travelagentcentral.com/running-your-business/virtuoso-gen-z-to-drive-luxury-family-travel-summer
2. Travel Weekly, They’re not millennials: Targeting Generation Z http://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Travel-Agent-Issues/Targeting-Generation-Z

Mexico is a land noted for its rich traditions and cultural history, but next time you fly into Cancun or Los Cabos, you’ll be greeted by the latest in computer technology.  The country’s Ministry of Communications and Transportation recently announced that three international airports – Mexico City, Los Cabos and Cancun – have been outfitted with digital biometric kiosks to help expedite the entrance of both nationals and international tourists into the country.

Self-serve kiosks are faster

According to Gerardo Ruiz Esparza, head of the Ministry, these state-of-the-art kiosks are significantly faster and more comfortable than previous devices. Moreover, they will enable quick automated entry of domestic and foreign passengers who do not need a visa to enter Mexico. Rather than waiting in long immigration lines, nationals and visitors can breeze through the automated system in just under three minutes.

The self-serve automated entry kiosks will not only improve visitor experience but help authorities process record numbers of passengers in less time. The 100 kiosks currently deployed will likely process more than 8 million arrivals in the coming year alone. The international terminals in Mexico City, Cancun and Cabo handle nearly 170,000 travelers a day – representing nearly 75 percent of the country’s total tourism that arrives by air. One immigration counter oversees up to 5 biometric kiosks, which will reduce the time spent waiting in line by a whopping 40 percent.

How biometric kiosks work

The new kiosks have a touchscreen multi-lingual interface and have the ability to identify passengers through both biometrics and documents.  Passengers enter their travel information in the system and have their fingerprints scanned. The kiosk captures and uses this biometric data (fingerprints, photo and passport scan) to accurately and securely identify individuals as they enter the country.

With hope, this innovative system will help promote a more convenient and comfortable arrival experience in Mexico, which remains one of the most visited vacation destinations around the world.

Take advantage of direct flights to Cancun

This is great news for anyone who is planning a Mexico getaway to the sun-drenched beaches of the Yucatan Peninsula. If you are looking for warm turquoise waters, some of the world’s prettiest coastline and an endless array of recreational activities, then Cancun is the destination of choice. Located on the Mexican Caribbean, Cancun is a terrific base for explorations throughout the Mayan Riviera, where ancient ruins, pristine islands and friendly locals await.

Getting there has never been easier. A number of airlines offer non-stop flights to Cancun International, and with the new self-serve kiosks, you’ll have your toes in the soft white sands in no time.

Check out these non-stop routes:

• Denver to Cancun (4 hours) — Frontier and United
• Chicago to Cancun (3 hours 45 minutes) – American and United
• NYC to Cancun (4 hours) – AeroMexico, JetBlue and American
• Atlanta to Cancun (2 hours 45 minutes) – Southwest, Delta and AreoMexico
• San Francisco to Cancun (5 hours 20 minutes) – Virgin America and United
• Charlotte to Cancun (3 hours) – US Airways

Additional Resources on Mexico’s automated airport kiosks:

1. Travel Agent Central, Three Mexico Airports Debut New Digital Biometric Kiosks https://www.travelagentcentral.com/transportation/three-mexico-airports-debut-new-digital-biometric-kiosks
2. Hopper, American Cities with Direct Flights to Cancun http://www.hopper.com/articles/814/american-cities-with-direct-flights-to-cancun

International tourism in Mexico reached record highs in 2017, as the country welcomed over 39.3 million travelers from around the world. According to Tourism Minister Enrique de la Madrid, these historical numbers of foreign visitors reflect Mexico’s wide range of modern, environmentally responsible tourism offerings. The tourism sector is now a significant contributor to Mexico’s income, and has helped boost the country’s gross domestic product by 2.5 percent each year.

International tourism skyrockets

At present, some 10 million Mexicans benefit directly or indirectly from revenues generated by the tourism industry. Last year, the country netted over 21 billion U.S. dollars from international tourist dollars – an 8.3 percent increase over the previous year.

Mexico is now ranked the 8th most popular vacation destination in the world. Given its proximity to the U.S., it’s no surprise that Americans make up a large portion of international tourists. In 2016, nearly 8 million Americans visited Mexico’s world-renowned beaches, resort towns and Mayan ruins.

National tourism figures indicate that Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, the Riviera Maya, Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit were the best performing markets last year. With no shortage of adventure activities, archeological attractions and natural beauty, these vacation hotspots offer something for everyone.

Mexico promises an enticing mix of contemporary arts and Meso-american cultures, a place where you can explore ancient Mayan pyramids and play a round of championship golf in one day. Whether you’re visiting the Baja California coastline or snorkeling the crystal clear waters off the Yucatan Peninsula, you’ll find this country to be a fabulously friendly and easy place to travel.

Travel hotspots in Mexico

Renowned for their sublime beaches and vibrant nightlife, Cancun and Playa del Carmen have remained perennial favorites for tourists. But increasing numbers of families and solo travelers are choosing a more laid-back vibe on the west coast’s Riviera Nayarit. Towns like Puerto Vallarta have just the right blend of restaurants, kid-friendly attractions, and tourist amenities to complement its provincial village vibe.

On the other side of the peninsula lies La Paz, which is quickly earning a reputation as a top-notch destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. Popular tours in La Paz include boat trips to Espiritu Santo Island, where guests can swim with the sea lions and dive among sunken ships, as well as whale watching excursions.

Over on the sun-drenched Yucatan Peninsula, the ancient Maya cities of Tulum, Coba and Chichen Itza are a short drive from Playa del Carmen, which offers a stunning assortment of luxury resorts and villas. Visitors can also take a boat ride to the beautiful Isla Mujeres for a full day of snorkeling in turquoise waters.

Wherever you decide to travel in coastal Mexico, Sea Side Reservations can help you find the perfect accommodations for a truly spectacular vacation that is well within your budget. With luxury beachfront rental properties in Los Cabos, La Paz, Puerto Aventuras and everywhere in between, we are Mexico’s #1 provider of vacation rentals.

Additional Resources on Mexico Tourism & Travel:

1. Xinhuanet, Mexico tourism numbers hit record high in 2017 http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2018-02/23/c_136993890.htm
2. Journey Mexico, MEXICO TOURISM: FACTS & STATISTICS 2016 https://www.journeymexico.com/blog/mexico-tourism-facts-statistics-2016
3. Deutsche Welle, Mexico marks record number of foreign tourist visits, revenue in early 2017 http://www.dw.com/en/mexico-marks-record-number-of-foreign-tourist-visits-revenue-in-early-2017/a-38807362

Nearly 45 percent of Millennials are planning a family vacation this year, according to a new report from AAA Travel. This jet-setting generation is part of 88 million Americans who are saving their dollars for a relaxing getaway in 2018. Millennial (those born between 1982-2002) travelers are trailed by Gen Xers and Baby Boomers, who logged in at 39 percent and 32 percent, respectively. 

In summing up their latest research, AAA Senior Vice President of Travels Bill Sutherland says that Millennials – just like their parents and grandparents before them – view a family getaway as a prime opportunity to reconnect with loved ones while creating lasting memories. “No matter their age, families are going on not just one, but multiple vacations throughout the year to revisit favorite destinations and experience new places,” added Sutherland.

Family vacations abroad a big trend in 2018

AAA says that family vacations abroad will be a big trend this year. Of all the holiday-goers, a whopping 35 percent plan to explore international destinations, marking a 9 percent uptick in the past two years.

So where are Millennials, Gen Xers and Baby Boomers flying to for their family fun abroad? According to advance flight bookings, the top three international destinations will be: Cancun, the Dominican Republic’s Punta Cana, and Montego Bay in Jamaica.

Three-quarters of those polled are planning family vacations in places they have never before visited. This overwhelming desire for new experiences explains the recent boom in Mexico tourism, especially in sunny resort towns like Cancun.

Cancun – more than a Spring Break destination

Boasting plenty of sun, picturesque beaches, trendy bars and modern amenities, Cancun is perhaps most noted for its hordes of Spring Breakers. But partying college students account for a mere fraction of Cancun’s annual visitors. Less than 2 percent of the 5 million Cancun tourists come for Spring Break. The rest are families, honeymooners and other travelers who have come to admire the historical attractions, the Mayan culture and the mind-blowing array of outdoor adventure.

The Cancun Tourism Bureau says that families are attracted to the Yucatan Peninsula for a number of reasons. The tropical climate is one selling point, but it’s an array of family-centered activities and attractions that really interest visitors. There are eco-parks where you can zipline in the jungle, Nature centers where kids can swim with dolphins, and enchanting Mayan ruins within a short drive.

Boasting cool theme parks, gourmet dining and a diverse range of water sports, Cancun is undoubtedly one of the best places for a family vacation in Mexico! For the best deals on luxurious Cancun vacation rentals, contact Sea Side Reservations today!

Top things to do in Cancun

The lovely white-sand beaches are key selling points to most Cancun vacationers. Here are a few other highlights to consider on your next family holiday.

• Boat trip to Isla Mujeres, where you can snorkel in clear waters
• Swimming with dolphins at Delphinius Dreams
• Visiting the “hands-on” interactive aquarium at La Isla Shopping Center
• Taking a day trip to the Mayan site of Chichen Itza
• A full day at Xcaret Ecological Park 

Additional Resources on Millennial Family Vacations:

1. TravelAgentCentral, Stats: 44% of Millennials Planning Family Vacation https://www.travelagentcentral.com/running-your-business/stats-44-millennials-planning-family-vacation
2. MiniTime, 10 Reasons to Visit Cancun with Kids http://www.minitime.com/trip-tips/10-Reasons-to-Visit-Cancun-with-Kids-article
3. US News, Best Places to Visit in Mexico https://travel.usnews.com/rankings/best-mexico-vacations/

When vacationing in Mexico, there is an eclectic range of unique activities to choose from — there really is something for even the most discriminating traveler. Nature lovers can indulge in whale-watching and coral reefs; night owls can opt for the beach parties in Cancun. Archaeological enthusiasts can explore the remains of ancient civilizations. For those who just want to relax on the beach, there are thousands of miles of beautiful coastline to enjoy!

Whether you plan to go to Rocky Point, Cancun, Los Cabos, or Puerta Vallarte, Mexico is larger than life, with the contemporary and the traditional existing side-by-side. A favorite destination, the country has a booming tourist industry. The three blogs highlighted below will help you to fully appreciate the invigorating vibe of Mexico.

Latin Journeys

Penned by Michael and Jennifer Lewis, this intriguing blog about Mexican cuisine and travel is jam-packed with advice for traveling south of the border. The writers are extremely knowledgeable and have traveled to more than 45 countries.  Sample excerpt: “On Cozumel, there are several spots on the west and south side of the island for good snorkeling, boat dives, shore dives and just plain swimming. Check out this video recently shot during a shore dive from one of the best dive resorts on the island, Blue Angel. We didn’t travel much more than 100 yards from the resort, we were diving in less than 30 feet of water and saw spotted eagle rays, tons of lobster, eels, and more.”

Mexico Retold

Susannah Rigg is a British expat currently living in Mexico. She fell in love Mexico even before she set foot there, captivated by the powerful stories of the ancient civilizations from a very young age. Her goal is to showcase Mexico’s true colors and celebrate the stories we don’t hear about in the news. She writes about the local cuisine, artists, attractions, and much more. Sample excerpt:  “When I first got to Oaxaca I was a bit unsure about grasshoppers or chapulines as they are called here. I tried them here and there but was never that into them. Nowadays, however, I love them and see them as a great source of protein. My favourite way to eat them is sprinkled on guacamole. They add a crunchy saltiness, which offsets the limey avocado flavour nicely…”

Roaming Around the World

Authors Heather and John are self-described travel addicts, and they’ve been on a grand adventure traveling the globe for the past four years, across 60+ countries including Mexico. They say they’ve been to Mexico more than any other destination. Sample excerpt: “…be sure to wander into Guanajuato’s elaborate network of tunnels. These subterranean streets were initially built as a means to divert flooding, but today they are instead used to divert traffic out of the historic city center. These tunnels all have sidewalks but we’d only suggest poking into the shorter ones. Leave the longer tunnels for the cars!”

Once you’ve narrowed down your choices of Mexican destinations, contact Sea Side Reservations and let us help you find the perfect vacation rental property close to all the attractions you want to visit.

Move aside, hotels – vacation rentals are becoming more and more popular among travelers. Rental properties offer a number of advantages compared to hotel stays, such as expanded amenities, more overall space, and better value for your hard-won vacation dollars.

Vacation rentals are perfect for large group getaways and multi-generational family trips, allowing for plenty of space and breathing room.   

Rental condos, villas and homes are gaining traction in Mexico’s famous beach towns, not just for extended family holidays, but among Millennials and independent travelers, too. Statistics show that Millennials, who spend millions on travel every year, prefer vacation rentals over traditional hotels.

Whether you’re planning an action-packed holiday with friends, or a romantic escape, there are a few good reasons why vacation rentals offer more privileges and bang for your buck.

Rental properties offer more space

Travelers can enjoy more space for less money when choosing a vacation rental. Even 5-star resort accommodations with living room suites are bound to be smaller than a vacation home. This extra elbow room comes in handy when you’re in a large group and need some privacy, or a quiet place for the kids to nap.

Vacation rental amenities

Vacation rentals come with tons of private amenities you’ll seldom find in a hotel room. Imagine having a fully-equipped kitchen at your disposal, or doing laundry as needed with your own washer and dryer. Some properties even feature hot tubs, swimming pools, fitness centers and golf privileges. These added amenities offer added convenience and flexibility.

Better value compared to hotels

A rental villa or condo will almost always boast more space and privacy than a hotel room, but at a lower cost. When you factor in hotel parking, fees for Internet service and dining out for all meals, vacation rentals are more cost-effective, especially when you can share the lodging cost among family and friends.  

Vacation rentals are more kid-friendly

Rental units make it easier and less stressful to vacation with children, particularly babies and toddlers who need a quiet place to nap. In addition to multiple bedrooms, some rentals feature game rooms, on-site playgrounds, high chairs and beach toys. If your kid throws a temper tantrum, you won’t have to worry about thin walls or bothering your hotel neighbors.   

More suitable for large groups

With several bedrooms, bathrooms, and common living areas, vacation rentals simply provide more space, leading to a happier experience for large groups. Why cram into a block of hotel rooms when you can spread out and enjoy the best of both worlds in a luxury condo or rental home? For help booking your next tropical getaway, call Sea Side for unbeatable deals on luxury vacation rental properties in Mexico. 

More info on “vacation rentals vs. hotels”:

1. SmarterTravel, Are Vacation Rentals Right for You? https://www.smartertravel.com/2017/06/19/vacation-rentals-right/
2. Turnkey, Millennials Help Short Term Vacation Rentals Disrupt the Travel Industry https://blog.turnkeyvr.com/millennials-help-short-term-vacation-rentals-disrupt-travel-industry/
3. TripAdvisor, 2017 Travel Trends https://www.tripadvisor.com/VacationRentalsBlog/2017/01/05/2017-travel-trend-predictions/

There are many travel trends making headlines this year, from rural tourism and volunteer vacations to foodie-inspired trips. But there is another movement making waves across the hospitality industry, giving a huge boost to tourism in Mexico and other vacation destinations: multi-generational family travel.

A survey conducted by Yesawich, Pepperdine, Brown & Russell found that nearly 80 percent of all travelers took at least one holiday with extended family in the past five years, and these vacations often included other families as well as friends.

Dubbed “togethering,” this trend is fueled – at least in part – by increasing numbers of Millennial parents who want to reconnect with older relatives, or extended family they rarely get to see. It is not uncommon for large groups to include grandparents, grandchildren, uncles, aunts and cousins.

Togethering joins multiple generations

In addition, Millennials tend to favor “togethering” travel with their parent-friends and their children, resulting in an upswing of joint-family vacations. Travel industry experts predict that “togethering” will continue to gain traction as more families seek to spend leisure time with friends and relatives, enjoying new experiences together.

Data has also suggested that Millennials place more importance on “experiences” over “objects,” and prefer to spend their discretionary funds on large family holidays, allowing distant relatives across several generations to reunite in a communal experience.

In lieu of get-togethers in hometowns, more families are booking destination vacations, particularly around the holidays when they have extra time off. Hotel and vacation rental occupancy rates have been rising during Thanksgiving and Christmas, times when most families usually head home.

Multi-household vacation rentals

With its breathtaking beaches, fascinating culture and kid-friendly adventure tours, Mexico offers the perfect backdrop for “togethering.” From Oaxaca and Los Cabos to Puerto Vallarta, travelers will find plenty of well-equipped accommodations that cater to large groups.

Some of the more popular lodgings are rental villas and condo units, which offer ample space for families and friends to relax together, and cook meals on their own time.  Moreover, vacation rentals tend to be more cost-efficient compared to an all-inclusive resort or hotel, sometimes by as much as 40 percent!

For those considering a “togethering” holiday south of the border, Sea Side Reservations has a wide array of vacation rentals in Mexico’s most enchanting towns, from Baja California to the Yucatan Peninsula.

More on Multi-Generation Family Vacations:

1. Hospitality Trends, Togethering: The New Trend In Family Vacations https://www.htrends.com/trends-detail-sid-7776.html
2. US News, 9 Travel Trends to Watch in 2017 and 2018 https://travel.usnews.com/features/9-travel-trends-to-watch-in-2017-and-2018
3. PeterAMayer.com, “Togethering”: the Trend of Communal Travel https://www.peteramayer.com/insights/togethering-the-trend-of-communal-travel/

In search of the perfect destination for sunshine, warm, swimmable waters, and miles of unspoiled beaches? Welcome to San Felipe, a desert-meets-sea resort town just two hours from the U.S. border.  Situated between the Sea of Cortez and the Colorado desert on Baja California, San Felipe lures more than 300,000 visitors each year with its pristine shoreline, leisure sports and striking landscapes that beg to be explored.

Although San Felipe has its fair share of adventure activities, hotels, bars and vacation-worthy attractions, the scene is much quieter and less developed compared to points further south on the Baja Peninsula.

No matter your vacation style and preferences, San Felipe has a lot to offer, whether you want to relax by the lapping waves, play a round of golf, or barrel down rugged roads on an ATV.

Off Road Adventures

Strap in for the ride of a lifetime! All-terrain vehicles are popular in San Felipe for good reason. This town has become one of the world’s premier off-road destinations, and hosts several crossroads races including the prestigious Tecate Score San Felipe 250. There are many places to rent quads in town, or for a more personalized experience, schedule a guided tour that features world-class routes across beautiful desert landscapes.  

Beach Time

There are literally miles of postcard-perfect beaches sprawling north and south of San Felipe. If your holiday plans include plenty of rest and relaxation, you’ve come to the right place. You’ll find quaint beach palapas directly in front of the Malecon (the pedestrian boulevard), and the waters are warm enough to swim in (mid 70’s) year-round. Other than beachcombing and swimming, you’ll also see banana boats for rent, and the occasional offer for horseback rides in the soft white sands.

Sport Fishing

Visitors come from far and wide just to go fishing in San Felipe. October through late April are the best months for fishing although local game fish can be caught year-round. Local pangueros (fisherman who own small 20-foot open boats) will take you out to Konsag Island, where halibut, grouper, trigger fish, corvina and mackerel are abundant. Bigger species including dorado, bonito and tuna can be found further offshore.

Championship Golf

El Dorado Ranch in San Felipe is home to one of the top golf courses in Baja California: Las Caras de Mexico. This 18-hole championship golf course features unbridled views of mountains and ocean and boasts a full-service clubhouse and pro shop facilities. Don’t miss an opportunity to play this signature course, designed by Bradford Benz.

Additional “San Felipe Vacation” Resources:

1. Mexperience, Guide to San Felipe https://www.mexperience.com/travel/beaches/san-felipe/
2. MySanFelipe, San Felipe Activities and Attractions https://www.mysanfelipevacation.com/local-area-guide.asp?cat=208
3. SanFelipe.com, Things To Do In San Felipe http://www.sanfelipe.com.mx/about/things.html