Oh, Mexico!

Mexico is renowned for its breathtakingly beautiful beaches, buzzing nightlife and glorious hot sunshine, it’s often a honeymooner’s choice or seen as an adult-focused place but that’s certainly not always the case. Yes, there are many upmarket hotels and spas perfect for adults but there are also many family-friendly hotel complexes with all-inclusive options as well as many child-safe beaches and a wealth of activities to keep the whole family entertained. Cheap family holidays to Mexico are more accessible than you may think. More so, it is easy to find local accommodations rentals in Mexico. Take a look at some of the great deals online from tour operators like Thomas Cook.

Cancun is a city in southeastern Mexico on the northeast coast of the Yucatán Peninsula in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo. It is an important tourist destination in Mexico and the seat of the municipality of Benito Juárez. The city is on the Caribbean Sea and is one of Mexico's easternmost points. It is buzzing, vibrant and well established holiday destination, renowned for its party atmosphere but it also has a lot more on offer and with some great all-inclusive hotels, it’s becoming a popular choice with families who are looking for an extra special family getaway. Activities range from watersports such as jet skiing, snorkeling, swimming with dolphins and kayaking to jeep jungle tours and boat trips to the “turtle island” of Mujeres. The jungle tours are popular with families wanting an adventure; drive through the jungle in an open top jeep whilst getting close to nature then swim in underwater sinkholes. Cancún is just north of Mexico's Caribbean coast resort band known as the Riviera Maya.

Mujeres (turtle island) is home to the magnificent giant turtles; get close to these fascinating creatures that survive due to the care and attention of the local people here. The small island has a town square with a town hall and church as well as a selection of places to eat and drink and some shops where you can buy local produce and handmade wares.

Photo by Spencer Watson on Unsplash

Located on the Pacific Coast of Mexico in the state of Jalisco, Puerto Vallarta is a large tourist area which has retained its charm and character. The real attraction is the 25 miles of secluded coastline which is divided into sections including serene bays and glorious long glistening beaches. Puerto Vallarta's proximity to the Bay of Banderas, the agricultural valley of the Ameca River, and the important mining centers in the Sierra have given the town a more interesting past than most Mexican tourist destinations. Puerto Vallarta was a thriving Mexican village long before it became an international tourist destination. Tourism was a major economic activity because of the climate, scenery, tropical beaches, and rich cultural history. Diving and snorkeling in the crystal clear waters is a popular activity, and families of all ages will enjoy a trip to the Splash waterpark where there are lots of exciting slides and shows involving dolphins, sea creatures, and exotic birds. The Marina Vallarta is the biggest in Mexico, showcasing some impressive private yachts, while there are many open-air restaurants and café bars surrounding the water. At night it becomes a central point for an evening out as lights line the promenade.

Mexico is also a place for history and culture. The Mayan ruins are well worth a visit, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Chichén Itzáis an impressive site - step inside temples and marvel at monuments. At the center of it all is the impressive Kukulkan, a vast 365-stepped pyramid. So, whether you’re a history buff or not, these sights are not to be missed for explorers young and old!

How To Get There

As a Filipino, Mexico is located on the other side of the world, and traveling there can be quite tedious. But, I believe that it is a very great destination and that the long travel to this exotic country is really worth it. Mexico allows entries of Filipino tourists if they have a Mexican visa. There are several ways to bypass this immigration rule though: one is to have a valid United States of America visa or a Japanese visa. More so, there are available direct flights flying to and from direct Cancun, Mexico. I guess securing a Japanese visa is an easier option than the former since I only need to submit my travel documents and requirements to an accredited travel agency.

But, if we want to go the other way, you can book a flight from Manila to Los Angeles or San Francisco. From these two west coast cities, there are several flights to and from Mexico. Aeromexico is one of the airlines that frequently fly to these cities in the United States of America.

Traveling to Mexico has been my dream ever since, and I would do whatever it takes to visit this wonderful country. I can no longer wait to the day when I finally set foot to this country and enjoy the wonderful beach of Cancun, enjoy the sceneries of the Mexican countryside, participate in their colorful Dia De La Muerte (Mexican Day of the Dead) or even take a trip down memory lane to the ancient Mayan Temples. Truly, Mexico is an interesting country to visit since travelers have endless choices on their chosen day trip activities, food, and vacation spots.