Should you plan a vacation to Mexico?
As a child, my first international trip was to Mexico. My family headed to Acapulco, where I was amazed by the beautiful beaches and astonished by the cliff divers. At that time, you didn’t even need a passport to travel between the US and Mexico.
Since then, so much has changed in Mexico tourism. The state of Quintana Roo, home to Cancun, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, and Isla Mujeres is now the major destination, with its pristine beaches along the Caribbean Sea. The Cancun Project in the 1970s made plans for the international airport as well as a tourism zone and residential areas.
Cancun International Airport saw more than 9.5 million people go through its gates in 2022. So what makes Quintana Roo so special - and should you travel there?
Fairmont Mayakoba
Beaches. It all starts and ends with the beaches, the beautiful soft sand and turquoise Caribbean waters. Whether you’re headed to Maroma, Akumal, Playa Norte on Isla Mujeres, or another gorgeous piece of sugar-sand coastline, the beaches will not disappoint.
Secrets Moxché
Resorts. Quintana Roo has something to offer every traveler. Whether you’re looking for an affordable all-inclusive family option, an adults-only boutique hotel, or the ultimate luxury resort, you’ll find it here. Swim-out room? Waterpark? Beachfront casita? So many options for your vacation! From Tulum to the Hotel Zone to Playa Mujeres, there are so many options. Quintana has four islands, and three of the four - Cozumel, Holbox, and Isla Mujeres - are inhabited and open to visitors.
Speedboats in Cancun
Adventure. Where do I begin? If you’re interested in history, UNESCO World Heritage site Chichen Itzá was once the center of the Mayan empire in Central America. Visiting this archeological site and the largest pyramid in the world will add another layer to your vacation.
Then head into the thick of the jungle to experience the mysterious underground cave systems called cenotes. These deep water wells are fed by the filtration of rain and the currents of rivers within the earth and will leave you feeling refreshed.
Isla Contoy
And two hundred tourists a day are allowed onto Quintana Roo’s fourth, and uninhabited, island, Isla Contoy. This remote, unspoiled island was a highlight of my recent trip. I enjoyed a hike around the island, relaxing on the pristine sand, and lunch provided by the tour company.
Quintana Roo also boasts some of the world’s best snorkeling and diving.The coral reefs off the coast of Cozumel are part of the Mesoamerican Reef—the second-largest barrier reef system in the world.
Cozumel
Safety. I know some people express concern about how safe they’ll be in this area of Mexico. The best source of information for this is the U.S. State Department, which lists Quintana Roo as as Level 2 destination, along with Spain, Sweden, and France.
Isla Contoy
Level 2 instructs travelers to “exercise increased caution.” Nowhere is completely safe, but I’ve traveled twice to Mexico on my own and have never felt uneasy.
So are you ready to travel to Mexico? Vacations by Shannon can help you choose the right destination and resort to ensure that every aspect of your vacation is muy bueno.
Isla Mujeres