Looking for a family-friendly destination to spend your next vacation? Head south of the border for some serious fun in the sun! Mexico is a great place to travel with children of all ages, and the country boasts countless attractions that are designed for curious young minds. There are lots of pretty beaches where you can swim, snorkel and boogie board, enormous pyramids to scale, and on top of it all, the locals absolutely adore children (even during temper tantrums).

Check out 5 of our favorite places in Mexico to travel with kids!

Riviera Maya

Just south of Cancun lies the Mexican Riviera—home to nature-theme parks, pristine snorkeling coves, Mayan ruins and miles of picture-perfect beaches. Start your holiday off at Croco Cun in Puerto Morelos, where the little ones can hand feed monkeys, touch baby crocodiles and learn about native flora and fauna at this wildlife reserve. Another family favorite is Xcaret eco-park, home to a massive butterfly garden, a lazy river that winds through underground caverns, and a dolphin encounter program. Don’t miss the clifftop Mayan ruins of Tulum, which overlooks the Caribbean Sea. Beat the heat and the crowds by arriving early in the morning. The beaches at Tulum are nearly deserted and a terrific place to build sandcastles and splash in the surf.

Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta, situated on the lovely Banderas Bay, is another excellent spot for a family vacation in Mexico. This laid-back hamlet offers the perfect blend of historic charm and beach atmosphere. Take a stroll down the cobblestone streets of Viejo Vallarta, and then head to the bustling oceanside promenade (El Malecon) for an ice cream and a chance to watch Mariachi bands in action. Plan a trip to Las Caletas beach for day of swimming, sunbathing and family fun. There’s a playground and snorkeling equipment available to rent. Vallarta Adventures has a dolphin interactive program and children ages 8 and up can zoom through the tropical forest on their zip-line canopy tour. If you have small children in tow, try out the zippy slides at Splash Water Park, which also has sea lion shows.

Oaxaca

Every part of this vibrant colonial city is an adventure. Packed with colorful markets, museums and handicraft stores, Oaxaca has many attractions that will hold the interest of tweens and teens.  If you are a family of foodies, this is the place to be! Beyond amazing street eats and restaurants, you’ll find Mexican cooking classes offered by leading chefs. There is a chocolate factory (Oaxaca is famous for its delicious chocolate), where you can order delectable cacao concoctions filled with vanilla, almonds and cinnamon. Spend a day visiting the fascinating ruins of Monte Alban, where Zapotecs lived from 500 B.C. until 1500 A.D. The sprawling site features spectacular mountain views, and chances to explore the excavations of ancient tombs.

Cancun

Cancun is the ultimate destination for a no-fuss family beach getaway. Whether you live in Atlanta or San Diego, direct flights are easy to come by and surprisingly affordable. One of the biggest perks of Cancun – aside from its picturesque white-sand beaches – is the sheer number of kid-friendly activities. There are several water parks, interactive aquariums where children can swim with dolphins and feed sharks, and even a Jolly Roger Pirate Show. When you’re not playing at the pool or beach, plan a day trip to the great Mayan wonder of Chichen Itza – ac cultural must-see for the kids. Isla Mujeres is another hotspot for visiting tourists. You can reach the island via water taxi or ferry and spend the day relaxing on the beach, shopping and zipping around on rented golf carts.

Read More about Family Vacation Spots in Mexico:

1. TripSavvy, Must-Visit Mexico: The Best Family Vacation Spots in Mexico https://www.tripsavvy.com/mexico-vacations-for-families-3267056
2. GlobeTotting.com, Mexico: Take the Kids to Tulum! https://globetotting.com/my-family-adventure-travels-in-tulum-mexico/
3. SFGate, Top 10 destinations for family fun in Mexico https://www.sfgate.com/mexico/mexicomix/article/Top-10-destinations-for-family-fun-in-Mexico-2516070.php

It’s official: the top three international destinations American college students are flocking to for the annual rite of Spring Break are all in Mexico, according to a new survey.

Researchers analyzed U.S. travelers’ Spring Break travel plans in 2018, and their study yielded some great news for vacation home owners south of the border, as they can accommodate large groups of budget-conscious Breakers. Worldwide, the top three destinations are in Mexico, with Cancun leading the pack (14.2 percent), then San Jose Del Cabo (6.3 percent), and Puerto Vallarta (5.1 percent).

Rounding out the list of leading international destinations are Higuey, Dominican Republic (4.9 percent); Montego Bay, Jamaica (4.8 percent); Aruba, Aruba (4.5 percent); Nassau, Bahamas (4.3 percent); Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands (3.4 percent); and Cayman, Cayman (3.3 percent). The only European location that made the Top 10 list is London, United Kingdom (2.8 percent).

Researchers reviewed trips planned for the Spring Break season (February 23, 2018 through April 16, 2018) for travel between five and eight days in length. The results revealed that Orlando (9.5 percent) was the number one domestic destination for Spring Breakers. Following in popularity are Phoenix (5.2 percent), Honolulu (4.7 percent), Fort Lauderdale (4.4 percent), Las Vegas (4.2 percent), Fort Myers (4.1 percent), New York (3.8 percent), Los Angeles (3.4 percent), Miami (3.3 percent) and Maui (3.2 percent).

Spring Breakers Choose 8-Day Vacations

The findings also uncovered the most popular days to fly for Spring Break travel in 2018. The busiest travel day anticipated for domestic (4.1 percent) and international flights (5.69 percent) is March 10, 2018. Also, the study found most Spring Breakers are taking a five-day trip for domestic destinations (31 percent) and an eight-day vacation for international destinations (52 percent).

Mexico’s plentiful sand and surf were major factors in its stellar ranking. The survey also indicates a renewed confidence on the part of Americans traveling to the country, despite recent safety concerns.

“Americans are opting for sun and fun this Spring Break, with a majority of travelers planning domestic and international beach getaways, whereas last year many travelers opted for a ski destination,” one researcher concluded.

Bring on the Breakers!

Sea Side Reservations caters to Spring Breakers and travelers of all ages, offering incredible deals on vacation rentals at all the hottest destinations in Mexico, including Puerta Vallarta, Cancun, and La Paz, just to name a few. Since 1996, we’ve been bringing property owners and guests together, offering affordable rentals in beautiful villas, furnished condos, and beachfront homes, steps away from all the attractions visitors want to experience.

 

More Information on Spring Break in Mexico:

1. Coastal Living, “Top 10 Spring Break Destinations in Mexico,” https://www.coastalliving.com/travel/top-10/best-spring-break-destinations-mexico
2. Chicago Tribune, Spring Break Beyond the Beach: Why more travelers opt for active trips, http://www.chicagotribune.com/lifestyles/travel/ct-active-spring-break-20180208-story.html

When you think “Mexico” and “vacation,” you may also think “winter” or even “Spring break.” After all, the last two are the most popular times to enjoy the sun and fun south of the border.

But Fall is a fantastic time to enjoy Mexico, for a number of reasons.

1. No crowds

If you’ve visited Mexico only at the popular times, you’ve seen crowds, especially in the beach resorts. Well, welcome to the Fall. Crowds have disappeared, leaving beautiful beaches, honey-colored sand, and warm, warm sun. It can be an idyllic vacation for you and your family.

2. Plenty of opportunities to use beach and ocean equipment

If you like to use the resort equipment, such as kayaks or paragliders, there’s often a waiting list for them in the high season. In the Fall? They’re yours for the asking.

3. Deals, deals, deals on vacation costs

If you’re on a budget or just like a deal, autumn is a great time to travel to Mexico. Prices for hotels and airfare can be steeply discounted. You can get a vacation to remember for an unbeatable price.

4. Deals, deals, deals on shopping

For many people, shopping is a vacation activity ranking up there with lazing on the beach. Jewelry, clothing, and decorative textiles are coveted shopping items in Mexico. In the Fall, their prices are likely to be lower than at peak vacation times. Plus, shop owners are very willing to negotiate. The lower number of tourists in the Fall translate to the lower number of sales for them, so they are quite willing to prompt a sale by giving a lower price.

5. Attentive service

You won’t have to compete with tons of other vacationers for the attention of your server, hotel staff, vacation area staff, or shop owners.

6. Good weather

Fall is in the end of the rainy season, so you won’t be dealing with tons of rain. It is hot in Mexico during the autumn, but can grow cool in higher elevations. There is a risk of hurricanes toward eastern Mexico, as the hurricane season ends in November. Be sure to check weather averages for your area and pack accordingly.

7. Festivals

Many Mexican festivals take place in the Fall, so if you’re looking for cultural riches in addition to warm and scenic beaches, it’s one of the best times to go. One of the most famous Mexican holidays, Day of the Dead (Dia de Muertos), happens over several days in late October to early November. On Dia de Muertos, Mexicans celebrate loved ones who have died with processionals, celebration, and decoration.

Another popular seasonal holiday is Mexico’s Independence Day, which is celebrated on September 16. Independence is celebrated with parades, festivals, and food.

These seven reasons add up to plenty of great excuses to visit Mexico now before winter comes and the crowds become huge again.

More info on vacationing in Mexico in the Fall:

1. Trip Savvy, Fall Travel in Mexico, https://www.tripsavvy.com/fall-travel-in-mexico-1589152
2. Traveling Mom, Mexico in the Fall: Pros and Cons, https://www.travelingmom.com/destinations-international/mexico-in-the-fall-pros-a-cons/

Mexico is a top destination for singles looking to get away for a week or two. When you book your trip with Sea Side Reservations, you’ll have access to incredible vacation rentals for singles—from the luxurious to the rustic. Plan a solo trip for some much-needed “me time” or plan a getaway with your friends. From nightlife to outdoors recreation, Mexico has it all.

Cancun

Cancun is often the first destination that comes to mind when planning a solo getaway to America’s southern neighbor. This dynamic city is located on the Yucatan Peninsula and, as you might expect, it’s famous for its beaches and nightclubs. Cancun receives a few million visitors each year. In fact, the city’s hotel occupancy rate was 82 percent during 2015, which beat other top resort towns like Acapulco and Los Cabos. Working with a vacation rental company can give you access to top accommodations around the city, despite this competition. Scheduling your vacation is an important factor to consider, since Cancun is the destination of choice for college students on spring break.

When you arrive in Cancun, you’ll have your pick of activities. Lounge on the picture perfect beaches, float to your heart’s content on the crystal-clear water, or put on some snorkels and make friends with the turtles. You can even swim with the dolphins in Xcaret Park and Isla Mujeres! Fishing, jet skiing, and kayaking are all popular activities. If you have an adventurous spirit, take a side trip to Chichen Itza—a famed Mayan site that includes the Kukulkan Pyramid. Tulum is even closer to Cancun. This walled city was one of the last inhabited Mayan sites.

When the sun goes down, Cancun truly comes to life. Choose from a virtually limitless selection of dance clubs, live shows, bars, and cigar lounges. If you crave excitement, be sure to check out Coco Bongo—a must-see for dance club enthusiasts.

Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is a beautiful, sun-drenched city on the Pacific Coast in the Mexican state of Jalisco. This vibrant city was once a sleepy village known for its fishing, but that all changed when The Night of the Iguana was filmed here in 1964. Now, Puerto Vallarta is like Cancun’s little sister. It gets a couple million visitors each year, who flock to this top destination for its gorgeous beaches, exciting nightlife, and incredible cuisine. Puerto Vallarta is also known for being the destination of choice for LGBT folks, given its warm, friendly ambience.

In Puerto Vallarta, there’s always plenty to do when you’ve had your fill of sunbathing on the beach. Take a stroll along the oceanfront walkway, go parasailing, or sign up for a bird’s eye view of the jungle canopy via zip-line tours. Puerto Vallarta is also known for its golfing, eclectic art scene, horseback riding, and shopping.

Playa del Carmen

Singles who prefer a quieter atmosphere might head over to Playa del Carmen. This city, located south of Cancun, is a veritable sanctuary. Relax in your luxurious villa rental or stay at a resort for all the modern amenities you could want. Like all great destinations in Mexico, single visitors enjoy easy access to fabulous beaches, casual and fine dining, and recreational activities galore. Pamper yourself at the spas, swim with the dolphins, or explore the Yucatan jungle.