Mexico & Central America – Trips To Discover

12 Best Places to Experience Day of the Dead in Mexico

K.C. Dermody — Wed, 06 Sep 2023 13:15:15 +0000

While Día de Muertos, Day of the Dead, is a holiday that revolves around death, it’s not a somber affair and arguably makes Mexico one of the world’s best places to visit in November. Before I moved to Mexico, I didn’t know much about it, but this isn’t a time of mourning, rather a time to celebrate life, honoring those who have departed. It officially takes place on November 1st and 2nd, when the veil between the living and the dead is said to be thin enough that the departed can cross back over, allowing friends and families to reunite. The parties sometimes last for days and include colorful costumes, elaborate decor, music, dancing, and lots of food. While specific traditions can vary depending on the destination, it’s an important event throughout Mexico. If you want to experience Day of the Dead, these are the best places to be in the country to do it.

Top 13 Boutique Hotels in Mexico

K.C. Dermody — Thu, 31 Aug 2023 13:15:26 +0000

Living in Mexico, I’ve had the opportunity to stay at a variety of boutique hotels, often providing a more authentic experience along with some fabulous perks. They offer a unique kind of experience, with a more intimate stay that typically has a distinct personality along with warm, personalized service. While many people envision sprawling resorts with pools when thinking about a vacation in Mexico, it’s well worth considering one of its impressive boutique properties, from magical Mexico City to Cabo, Tulum, and alluring destinations in between.

12 Best Spa Hotels in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

K.C. Dermody — Mon, 28 Aug 2023 13:00:17 +0000

One of the most popular vacation destinations in Mexico, Puerto Vallarta sits along the Bay of Bandera on the country’s Pacific coast, offering a wide range of activities from snorkeling and diving to hiking through the rainforest. It’s also the perfect place to simply relax on miles of gorgeous sandy beaches, shop at Marina Vallarta and the little boutiques along cobbled streets, and dine on mouthwatering cuisine. For those who want to enjoy some pampering with their stay, these spa hotels in Puerto Vallarta are sure to be ideal.

12 Best Spa Resorts in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

K.C. Dermody — Tue, 22 Aug 2023 13:15:33 +0000

Cabo isn’t just about partying and letting loose at places like Cabo Wabo. Those who are seeking a tranquil oasis for enjoying pampering treatments will find some fabulous spa hotels that sit right along beautiful golden sands. Many offer all sorts of desirable features, like gorgeous pools and fine dining eateries too. These are some of the best spa hotels in Cabo, sure to provide the ultimate retreat.

14 Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Riviera Maya

K.C. Dermody — Fri, 28 Jul 2023 13:00:45 +0000

Stretching for 75 miles along the west coast of the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico, the Riviera Maya includes popular places like Playa del Carmen, Puerto Adventuras, Akumal, and Tulum. It’s famous for its long beaches, fine-dining restaurants, and numerous all-inclusive resorts. In fact, there are so many, it can be almost overwhelming when trying to decide which to book for your stay.

Having moved to Mexico, I’ve been able to sample many of them to help narrow down the field to the best of the best all-inclusive resorts in Riviera Maya.

12 Best Beachfront Hotels in Tulum, Mexico

K.C. Dermody — Thu, 27 Jul 2023 13:00:37 +0000

If you’re planning a getaway in Tulum, odds are, you’re going for its spectacular beaches. There’s no better way to enjoy them than from a beachfront hotel, some of which allow you to fall peacefully asleep to the azure waves. You might even be able to wake up to a glorious sunrise over the Caribbean. These beachfront properties are some of the top picks in the area for the ultimate Mexican-Caribbean escape.

12 Best All-Inclusive Resorts Near Tulum, Mexico

K.C. Dermody — Wed, 19 Jul 2023 13:30:25 +0000

Famous for its dazzling turquoise waters and powder sugar-like beaches, as well as its pre-Columbia Mayan ruins, Tulum has become one of the most desirable destinations in Mexico. While it’s grown in recent years, it still offers a charming bohemian feel with lots of opportunities to practice yoga and dine on organic cuisine in addition to all the usual fun in the sun. There are only a handful of all-inclusive resorts right in Tulum, as most properties are intimate boutique hotels, but that just makes those that are here extra special. To give you more options, I’ve listed a number of properties that will put you within a relatively short distance away in places like Akumal and Xpu-Ha.

The Best Clothing Optional Resorts in Mexico

K.C. Dermody — Mon, 19 Jun 2023 13:00:38 +0000

If you’re looking for a clothing-optional resort in Mexico, you might have noticed that there are only a handful, and most are in the Tulum area, as it’s traditionally been more relaxed about nudity. Keep in mind that while some advertise clothing-optional beaches, nudism is prohibited federally, and all beaches in the country are public despite claims to the contrary. With lots of new construction going on, if you bare all on the beach, you’ll run the risk of complaints from other guests at resorts and villas nearby or from local residents, which may lead to problems with the authorities too.

While you might get away with taking it all off to prevent those tan lines, if you don’t want to take the risk, you’ll need to wear a bathing suit at the beach and stay in a private home or villa rental or one of the resorts mentioned here.

11 Hotels with Swimmable Beaches in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

K.C. Dermody — Wed, 17 May 2023 13:00:28 +0000

Located along Mexico’s Pacific coast and backed by the lush green Sierra Madre Mountains, Puerto Vallarta is an enchanting destination with cobbled streets, authentic culture, mouthwatering street tacos, and fun things to do. Its spectacular beaches draw many, and if that’s one of the main reasons you’re planning a visit, you’ll probably want to stay in a hotel where the water is swimmable. The good news is that you’ll have some great choices whether you’re looking for something more budget-friendly, ultra-luxurious, or in between.

13 Best Luxury Hotels in San José, Costa Rica

Georgie Darling — Wed, 26 Apr 2023 13:15:17 +0000

From modern, state-of-the-art decor to breathtaking views and spas, San José, Costa Rica’s luxurious hotels set the scene for an idyllic setting for your next well-deserved vacation. Here, you’ll find big-name brands and boutique hotels tucked away in leafy gardens or standing proud in the heart of the city – perfect for sipping a tropical cocktail from the rooftop bar or lounging around in one of the plush cabanas by the pool. This fast-paced city full of some of Costa Rica’s best things to do is well equipped for all kinds of luxe stays and has plenty of beautiful hotels that go all out with the details. Not sure where to stay next time you head to San José? Read on for all of the best luxury hotels here!

12 Best Resorts in Mexico for Singles

K.C. Dermody — Thu, 06 Apr 2023 13:15:46 +0000

Whether you’re single and looking to mingle or a solo traveler who just wants a resort that doesn’t only cater to romance-seeking couples, Mexico is home to quite a few that will welcome you with open arms. You’ll find the typical party resorts, tranquil adults-only properties that are ideal for stress-melting experiences and outdoor activities, and spots that fall somewhere in between. From the Yucatan to the Baja Peninsula, there’s sure to be an ideal option on this list for your next getaway.

11 Best Vacation Rentals in San Jose, Costa Rica

Georgie Darling — Mon, 27 Mar 2023 12:15:07 +0000

San José, Costa Rica is a city of endless possibilities and adventures, with neighborhoods to suit all kinds of visitors. From the undisputed luxury of Paseo Colón to the incredible shopping opportunities at Boulevard de Rohrmoser and the dynamic array of restaurants in El Barrio Escalante, a trip to San José will always be an unforgettable one. Not sure where to stay next time you visit one of the world’s most eco-friendly countries, but want something a little fancy? Read on for all of the best luxury vacation rentals in this incredible city.

How Safe is Mexico for Travel Right Now? Experts Weigh in

Noah Holtgraves — Mon, 13 Mar 2023 17:26:37 +0000

Google searches related to the safety of traveling to Mexico are at “breakout” after the kidnapping and killings of U.S. medical tourists on March 7 in Matamoros, Mexico. The incident is receiving widespread media attention and raising concerns about visiting the country, especially as spring break — when a quarter million students head to Mexico — is at its peak.

Additionally, searches related to the safety of Cancún are trending after the rideshare app Uber won a court decision earlier this year for the right to operate in the city. Conflict ensued after some taxi drivers began harassing Uber drivers in videotaped incidents that garnished more widespread attention. Following this, the U.S. Embassy in Mexico issued a security alert for Quintana Roo state.

We requested the advice of two travel experts deeply familiar with traveling in Mexico and overseas travel safety about how concerned U.S. travelers should be with visiting the country right now.

Here is a breakdown of everything you will learn on this page:

Mexico Travel Advice
Mexico Travel Advisories
Mexico Travel Safety and Precautions
Mexico Travel Advisory Map

Mexico Travel Advisory Map

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14 Best Places to Stay in La Paz, Mexico

K.C. Dermody — Fri, 10 Mar 2023 14:15:59 +0000

Colorful La Paz, which translates to “The Peace,” is the capital city in Baja California Sur and one of the best places to visit in the Baja Peninsula. It’s located about two hours north of Cabo San Lucas. It boasts abundant sunshine, a beautiful malecon (waterfront promenade), and stunning white sandy beaches that edge a turquoise sea filled with all sorts of marine life, from whale sharks, dolphins, and whales to sea turtles and countless fish species. Mouthwatering cuisine can be found around nearly every corner to fuel activities like swimming, snorkeling, and even sandboarding, while a wealth of accommodation options provide an ideal base, from hotels to vacation rentals.

13 Best Airbnbs in Costa Rica

K.C. Dermody — Thu, 09 Mar 2023 14:15:16 +0000

No matter what type of traveler you are, Costa Rica is bound to impress. There’s something for everyone here, whether your idea of a good time is relaxing on a sandy beach or taking part in adventures from snorkeling and diving or surfing, hiking and zip-lining. Wildlife lovers will be in heaven with a wide range of exotic species to spot, including sloths, all sorts of monkeys, jaguars, tapirs, and colorful parrots. Watch for dolphins, whales, sea turtles, rays, and tropical fish in the water, too. Wherever you are in this country, it’s all about living the good life, or pura vida.

The question isn’t whether to visit Costa Rica, it’s where to stay, and these Airbnbs provide a wide range of options for the perfect base.

Ultimate Guide to Loreto, Baja California Sur (Hotels & Things to Do)

K.C. Dermody — Thu, 23 Feb 2023 14:30:12 +0000

Odds are, you’ve never even heard of Loreto unless you’re the adventurous type or perhaps discovered it while traveling down the Baja Peninsula. A small town along the Sea of Cortez in the Sierra de la Giganta, it’s about a 5-hour drive north of La Paz, the capital city of Baja California Sur. The original capital of the Province of the Californias, it’s an ideal destination for nature lovers who can enjoy the mountains and the sea as well as offering a rich heritage with an authentic Mexican feel. In fact, it’s one of the Puebo Magicos in the state, or magic towns, a title given exclusively to towns in Mexico for their remarkable cultural authenticity, heritage, and charm.

You’ll see a number of colonial buildings in town, like the 17th-century Misión de Nuestra Señora de Loreto, while the waters of Bahía de Loreto National Park are home to whales, dolphins, sea lions, and a wealth of other marine life. If that isn’t enough reason to visit, let’s take a deeper dive.

Along with the best hotels in Loreto, we’ve provided the top things to see and do that make it more than worthy of your next escape.

What to Do in Loreto
Where to Stay in Loreto

13 Best Places to Stay in Todos Santos, Baja, Mexico

K.C. Dermody — Tue, 21 Feb 2023 14:00:38 +0000

Just an hour north of Cabo San Lucas, Todos Santos is a small, artsy colonial town with a fantastic food scene that makes it worth forgoing the all-inclusive Cabo resort scene, at least for a few nights. While the downtown area isn’t right on the beach, it’s only about a 5-minute drive away. In between spending time on the nearly endless golden stretch of sands, you’ll be able to stroll the cobbled streets, browse the unique shops with many artisan-made items, and sample a wide range of tasty eats. You’ll find a variety of hotels and vacation rentals that provide the ideal base, whether you want to be in the heart of town or closer to the beach.

14 Best 5-Star Hotels in Cancun

Georgie Darling — Mon, 20 Feb 2023 14:00:33 +0000

Beautiful Cancun is a genuine hotspot for luxury and is home to an almost endless array of magnificent resorts to check into for a few nights…or weeks! The city is well known for its abundance of five-star hotels, with sunset views, sun-soaked pools, and private beach access. No matter whether you’re traveling with family, friends, a significant other, or by yourself, you’ll find the perfect vacation spot here in Cancun. Got your sunglasses, beach towel, and sense of adventure at the ready? Read on for all of the best five-star hotels in Cancun.

12 Best 5-Star Hotels in Mexico City

Georgie Darling — Thu, 02 Feb 2023 14:00:48 +0000

Mexico City is one of the most vibrant places in the world, and it’s not hard to find something fun to do while staying here. From historical sites to modern entertainment to suit all tastes, there’s really something for everyone in this bustling metropolis. As you might expect from Mexico City’s reputation, there are plenty of luxurious hotels to check into while you’re here. Not sure where to stay next time you’re heading to Mexico City? Read on for all of the best luxury hotels here that should be on every traveler’s radar!

10 Best 5-Star Hotels in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

K.C. Dermody — Thu, 26 Jan 2023 14:15:11 +0000

One of the most irresistible destinations in Mexico, Puerto Vallarta offers it all, from lush greenery, idyllic beaches, and water sports to mouthwatering cuisine at top restaurants, with fare that includes everything from authentic street tacos to homemade Mexican dishes. Yet despite its popularity, the city still retains its local charm and distinct culture with cobbled streets where you might enjoy musicians playing drums or even encounter the flying Panpantla men participating in an ancient traditional dance.

It’s also home to quite a few impressive hotels that provide a luxurious base for enjoying it all, including 5-star properties. If you’re looking for the best of the best, you’ll want to book one of these hotels.