Do you want to take a family vacation to an exotic country with an energetic local culture without spending a fortune? Perhaps you’ve already visited Europe and shown your little ones around the United States and want something different. If this describes you, consider Mexico as your next family holiday destination. You can find beachfront homes in Mexico for a fraction of the price in the nearby Caribbean while retaining the same level of luxury. Many families take a trip to Central America’s largest country, and almost all want to return. Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Mexico with your kids.
Mexico with Kids:
First, travelling to Mexico with young kids under the age of seven or eight probably isn’t a good idea. The country is very different to back at home, and the culture shock and drastic change in the environment may overwhelm younger children. You should also factor in long flights, jet lag and potentially getting vaccinations before the trip. But, if this isn’t a problem, you’ll find Mexico to be a great travel destination.
What Makes Mexico a Good Destination for Families?
Mexico is a very diverse country combining tropical beaches with barren stretches of desert. Several small towns and cities have Spanish colonial centres with a certain charm that’s hard to find elsewhere. On the other side of the coin, large cities, such as the capital, Mexico City, seem to sprawl into infinity. With a country as large and diverse, you’re never too far away from a new experience. You can join the public fiestas one day and go snorkelling in crystal clear water the next. Add in Aztec ruins and Mayan Pyramids and the kids should be hooked.
The next reason to bring your family is the affordability of travel. Let’s say you’re travelling with your partner and two children. Trips to European destinations will likely add up to thousands of dollars, and the same is true for a trip in the United States. But in Mexico, you can find the same level of comfort for a fraction of the price.
From the perspective of a parent, visiting Mexico can give your children a different experience and open their eyes to the broader world. Culturally, the country shares few similarities with what you’re probably familiar with being back home and is likely to give the kids a new experience. Another good reason is to encourage the little ones to learn a little Spanish and practice their skills when you’re on holiday.
Is it Safe enough to Bring My Family?
One of the most significant and most understandable concerns about taking a family vacation to Mexico is the country’s poor reputation for safety. Unfortunately, in some parts, violent crime and drug-related problems do exist, and tourist can occasionally get caught up in the events. But, in the resort areas and some of the smaller towns, the safety record is better than many cities in the United States.
You need to do your research about the areas you want to bring your kids and make a decision based on the stories and accounts of other travellers. If you stick to the touristy areas and use your common sense, it’s highly unlikely you’ll encounter any problems. Just take care of your personal belongings and be cautious.
Another aspect of safety that needs to be mentioned is related to the heat, tropical diseases and hygiene. Mexico has a hot climate with lots of sunny days, and you can get a sunburn in a matter of minutes. Bring plenty of sun cream and remember to make sure you’re kids are always protected. You should also check if anyone needs vaccinations before the trip.
Where to Visit in Mexico:
Knowing the best places to bring the family is half the battle of having a great trip. So, let’s take a look at a few family-friendly destinations.
Los Cabos on the Baja Peninsula attracts millions of tourists each year, including many families. If you’re not on a tight budget, you’ll find resorts with pools, sports facilities and kid clubs. There are also tours into the desert, a private catamaran in Cabo, whale-watching excursions as well as the chance to swim with dolphins. Cancun is another Mexican holiday destination, which combines the luxury with beaches, surfing and a host of other family-friendly activities.
If your kids, want to spend their time on the beach and snorkelling along the Caribbean coast, check out Riviera Maya on the Yucatan Peninsula. Not only does it have 130 kilometres of coastline and an abundance of marine life, but there’s also ruins, nature-based theme parks and a replica of a local Mayan village. Puerto Vallarta is also worth considering for its lively old town, beautiful Malecon waterfront and folk music.
Essential Travel Tips:
Planning is the most important travel tip anyone can give you before you take a family holiday to Mexico. You need to research and be aware of everything from the child-friendly destinations to personal safety. If you take the time to research, you’ll be rewarded with an excellent travel experience. It’s also important to make the kids interests more of a priority than your own.
The Perfect Family Vacation:
Hopefully, this article has inspired you to consider Mexico as a suitable destination for your next family vacation. You’ll find diversity around the country, lots of educational and cultural activities in an attractive and affordable location. Just remember to plan, keep your kid’s priorities high and to enjoy yourself. And remember to bring the sunscreen!
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