A: Mexico Travel Guide provides information ranging from city reports to listings of restaurants, nightclubs, tour companies, and resorts.
Q: Why choose Mexico as a honeymoon destination?
A: Sun, beach, romance, and bang for the buck. When I was married, our budget was a little tight when it came time to plan the honeymoon. Flights from Seattle (where we live) to New York (where my wife is from), invitations, dresses and tuxes, and all the other costly details added up fast. We needed a destination that would give us a honeymoon to remember but stretch our savings.
Mexico fit the bill nicely.The key reasons: flights to the major destinations are inexpensive, lots of budget-friendly accommodations to choose from, plus sun, world-famous beaches, and the fact that the Mexican people are gracious and fun-loving hosts.
Q: Which specific areas of Mexico are most attractive to honeymooners? Why?
A: The most popular Mexico destinations for honeymooners are Cabo San Lucas, Cancun, and Puerto Vallarta. Each has its merits. Most Canadians and Americans on the West Coast choose Cabo for its deep-sea fishing, golf, party scene, and proximity. In addition, Cabo is very Americanized and offers those uncomfortable with Spanish (or exotic travel) a chance to experience Mexico with all the comforts of home.
Cancun is famous for its archaeology, scuba, and snorkeling and is a short hop for those on the East Coast. Cancun and its neighbor Cozumel (a small island off the coast) are also popular stops for cruise ships.
Puerto Vallarta has been a popular destination for years and is my personal favorite. For those honeymooners looking for a more authentic Mexican flavor, Puerto Vallarta is the choice.
Q: What kinds of lodging choices are available in Mexico?
A: Most of the major international hotel chains -- Marriott, Sheraton, Westin, Holiday Inn -- have a presence in Mexico. Good deals at hotels in Mexico can be found with a dose of research or the help of a travel agent.
For our honeymoon, we rented a timeshare condominium from a couple who were unable to use their week. The unit came with a partial kitchen (microwave, refrigerator, dishes and utensils), a great view, and a very good rate. We not only saved money, but had better accommodations than the traditional hotel room.
The next time we go to Mexico we'll be looking into a villa rental. Advantage? Seclusion, room to breathe, and top-notch accommodations. Drawback? Rents are high unless you choose a villa outside of town or can share the expense with a big group.
Q: Is the exchange rate on the peso still good?
A: As of this writing, the U.S. dollar will buy 11 pesos. On the surface, this seems like a good deal for honeymooners...but in the major destinations prices are pegged to those in the US. So if you buy a drink at the Hard Rock in Puerto Vallarta, expect to pay the same amount you would at home.
Q: What's a great bargain in Mexico?
A: For those on a tight budget, eating and drinking where the locals do and booking accommodations in locally owned hotels (as opposed to a Sheraton or Westin) will save a bunch. Likewise, if your plans take you outside the major Mexico resort areas, expect your dollar to stretch much further.
Flights to Cabo are surprisingly expensive year-round, but accommodations are a bargain during the summer off-season. Flights to Puerto Vallarta from the Central and Western U.S. and Canada are affordable, and there's a wide variety of accommodations available.
To save on airfare overall, select a Mexico destination based on your home city: Choose Cancun if you're flying from the East Coast and South or Puerto Vallarta from the West. If at all possible, avoid traveling to Mexico during spring break (March through early April) and mid-June (summer break). It's difficult to find flights then, and prices go up for these high-demand periods.
Q: Where do you recommend a couple go if cost is not an issue?
A: Pueblo Bonito Rosé resort in Cabo San Lucas. This resort has a European spa with thermal mud baths, saunas, and a mix of Romanesque and Mediterranean architecture. You can enjoy a massage after a busy day lounging on the beach.
Q: Where's the next hot place to discover in Mexico?
A: Huatulco (pronounced wa-tool-co) is the newest and most-talked-about destination. In 1983, Huatulco was merely three quaint villages inhabited by a few hundred people. Since then, the Mexican government has invested heavily to create the next Cancun. But, unlike Cancun, Huatulco is being developed as an eco-tourist destination. The Mexican government hopes this eye toward the environment will encourage both earth-friendly development and more tourist dollars.
