Mexico Vacation
|
To many, a Mexico vacation is equivalent to that of paradise. The country is crammed with a multitude of opposing identities—desert landscapes, snow-capped volcanoes, ancient ruins, teeming industrialized cities, time-warped colonial towns, glitzy resorts, deserted beaches and a world-beating collection of flora and fauna. With this mix of modern and traditional, clichéd and surreal, is the essence of Mexico’s charm. Whether your passion is throwing back margaritas, surfing the Mexican pipeline, scrambling over Mayan ruins, it requires no stretch of the imagination to see just why a Mexico vacation is the stuff memories are made of.
Mexico is pretty much enjoyable year-round, although between October and May is in general the most pleasant time to visit. The May-September period can be hot and humid, especially in the south, and inland temperatures approach near freezing during December-February. Facilities are often heavily booked during Semana Santa (the week before Easter) and Christmas/New Year, which are by far the peak domestic travel periods. Thankfully you can take your Mexico vacation any time of the year and find an amicable climate for everyone. Along the coastal plains it’s hot and humid, while drier and temperate at higher elevations inland (such as Guadalajara or Mexico City). Do your best to avoid the southern coast from July-September, when the resorts become extra soggy and overbooked.
A number of hotel chains are available throughout Mexico, including Best Western, Holiday Inn, Fiesta Inn, Fairmont, Hilton, Ritz-Carlton, and many others. Although rates have risen considerably in recent years, most are still reasonable compared to similar U.S. and European hotels. Chain accommodations are usually clean and comfortable, good for business travelers, but not necessarily for those wanting to add authenticity to the Mexico vacation. Smaller hotels and motels along the roadside may not be safe or comfortable, but boutique hotels can be found across the country, almost all of which are rich in Mexican traditions, elegance and charm. If you’re planning your Mexico vacation to one of the cooler areas in the winter, consider bringing an electric blanket. There is power, but no heat in some of the budget and boutique hotels.
Traveling in Mexico is most practical by bus, car, or air. Passenger transport by train is practically nonexistent except for certain mountainous regions. Mexico is a large country, but airfare can often be ridiculously cheap if you book in advance. The main full-service airlines are Mexicana, Aeromar, AeroMexico and Aviacsa. If you are unable to book in advance, or are trying to keep the itinerary for your Mexico vacation loose and flexible, be sure to take the express buses when available (they’re called directo). Other buses often stop at many smaller stations along the way, making for a much longer trip.