There are many great reasons to visit Mexico during the year’s cooler months. From the beaches to the thriving culture, Mexico has something for everyone. If you’re looking for a beach vacation with family and friends, consider the Riviera Maya or the vibrant Playa del Carmen. Each region has something to offer, so check them out and plan your trip accordingly.
Cancun
While visiting Cancun during COVID season is not recommended, the area is generally safe for tourists. Travelers should exercise caution and be aware of the area’s security. The State Department encourages travelers to avoid illicit activities. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 2 Travel Health Notice for Mexico, which indicates a moderate risk of COVID-19 transmission. It recommends that travelers get vaccinated with the COVID-19 vaccine.
While prices are reasonable in the Hotel Zone, tourists should still take extra precautions. The government has begun deploying additional troops to the Caribbean coast to provide security. Travelers should also wear masks and wash their hands thoroughly after touching anyone. It is not advisable to travel to Cancun if you are sick or feel weakened.
The government’s travel health notice system uses stoplights to notify travelers of health risks. The color-coded system is updated every two weeks and can be accessed on the government website. A red stop light indicates many restrictions and a high risk of Covid, while orange means some limits, such as city-wide curfews and limited capacity at attractions.
To be safe and avoid being attacked by Covid, you should always avoid eating unsupervised food and drinking from strangers. Do not drink water that does not come from bottled sources. Also, try to avoid areas that are shady or unsafe. Try to maintain a professional appearance and avoid traveling alone.
Riviera Maya
While the Riviera Maya is a popular destination for tourists, there have been some problems in the region. Among these problems are crime, especially in the boomtowns, where criminal gangs operate openly and steal from local businesses. The area’s largest town, Playa del Carmen, has seen a string of violent attacks, including the shooting of three people at a working-class bar.
The city’s airport serves as a primary gateway for travelers. There are daily flights from many major U.S. cities to Cancun International Airport, which is Mexico’s second-largest airport. In addition, Cozumel has a small airport, which is serviced by domestic and international airlines.
Travelers should avoid traveling to Mexico during the hurricane season. The official hurricane season occurs from June to October. Luckily, November and December are much more relaxed and offer excellent weather conditions. Travelers should also bring copies of their travel documents, leaving their originals in the hotel room. Whether traveling by air or car, it is essential to carry adequate water supplies. Drinking water from local taps may be contaminated and dangerous.
During the winter, the Riviera Maya’s climate is mild. The average temperature in January is 73 to 77 F, and there are few rainy days. However, the weather gets hotter in April and May, with average temperatures of 79 to 81 F.
While visiting the Riviera Maya, travelers should consider the risk factor when visiting Tulum. While Tulum is generally safe, recent incidents have raised security concerns. Some of these incidents are linked to cartel activity, corruption, and a clash of rapid development with residents. As with any travel destination, travelers should consider their risk tolerance and take the appropriate precautions.
Playa del Carmen
Playa del Carmen, Mexico, is a beautiful and laid-back city. This beach town has many attractions that appeal to people of all cultures. There are both cheap hotels and luxury beach resorts available for your stay. The weather is usually warm and sunny if you plan to visit the area during the summer.
Although Playa del Carmen is considered a party town, it is generally safe for visitors. However, the city is also known for its crime problem, and you should be extra cautious if you plan to travel alone. Be aware of scam artists and thieves who prey on tourists. Also, make sure that you stay within the central tourist areas.
Dining in Playa del Carmen is a treat! The 5th Avenue area has a variety of fine restaurants that showcase Mayan cuisine. There are also Mexican restaurants that specialize in seafood and Spanish tapas. Most restaurants use authentic ingredients, catering to people from different backgrounds.
Playa del Carmen is also cheaper than other major cities. The average accommodation cost is $67 per night, and vacation rentals are available from 8,000 pesos to 30,000 pesos per month. However, the city does have a wide income gap. An expat’s daily budget in Playa del Carmen is about $400, compared to $1,100 for the average local.
While Mexico is still considered safe, you should still take precautions. It would help if you took out travel health insurance to cover any medical expenses you may incur while traveling in this country. This will help if you get food poisoning from a sketchy taco or slip on the beach. As far as food goes, ceviche tostadas are popular local dishes. You can also sample some of the local favorites like tacos el pastor.
Tulum
If you’ve never been to Tulum, there’s much to love about this hippie-chic beach town. The beaches, beautiful cenotes, and laid-back hippie vibe have fueled an explosion in tourism. But despite the tourist boom, you should still exercise caution. This is still dangerous, and you’ll want to take precautions to avoid it.
Though the United States State Department hasn’t issued a travel advisory for Tulum, it still encourages travelers to use extra caution. The countrywide advisory for covid is updated every two weeks, but the restrictions on visiting Tulum are relaxed mainly. However, you should check the state’s vaccination rates if you travel to this area.
There are several ways to travel safely in Tulum. Don’t spend your vacation dancing on the beach or going to crowded bars. You might get a sunburn or something worse, but luckily there are plenty of ways to avoid such trouble. While in Tulum, stay in a hotel with strict safety protocols. While there, you can also swim in the Caribbean Sea and explore the ruins. The jungles surrounding the town are lush and protected by dozens of species of birds.
Tulum can be reached by car or public transportation. You’ll need to know how to get around if you drive yourself. Several companies offer car rentals, but Cancun Airport is the best place to rent a car in Tulum. All the big rental car companies have offices there. You can also take the bus to avoid renting a car. ADO, the largest bus company in Mexico, operates regular buses from the airport to downtown Tulum.
Oaxaca
Oaxaca is a multi-faceted destination, from its stunning beaches to its fascinating stories from Monte Alban. The city also has an extensive cultural heritage. Travel to Oaxaca during covid is likely to be both fun and safe.
The major roads connecting the city to surrounding towns are well maintained. However, the streets are very windy, which can be a problem for those who suffer from motion sickness. To avoid such issues, you should take a shared taxi called a Colectivo, which can take you to most places around town. You can easily find a collection at the Abastos market and a few other places in town. The northeastern Colectivo launching point is near a McDonald’s restaurant.
Oaxaca is known for its Zapotec culture. This city is also home to one of the largest celebrations of the Day of the Dead, or Dia de Los Muertos. The city is home to many artisan communities, galleries, and the Monte Alban ruins.
The Oaxacan cuisine is different from other parts of Mexico. This area is known for its diverse microclimates and a wide range of seasonal produce. You can enjoy delicious, fresh Mexican cuisine in many restaurants. Be sure to visit Mercado Ciudadela, known for its handcrafted textiles.
Oaxaca is also synonymous with art and indigenous culture. The city is filled with talented artisans.