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If you’ve never been to Cancun yourself, we can’t blame you for being a little skeptical of the Mexican center’s triumphs as a tourist destination.
After all, it hardly has that novelty factor–it feels like everyone has already happened, so why worry about it?
Overdevelopment is starting to take its toll on local communities, and of course there is always the occasional safety issue.
What can we say? It is not that the mainstream media treats Mexico kindly with them news reporting, even though it is far from the only country in North America that has problems with organized crime and urban violence – hello, has anyone here ever set foot in Detroit or SanFran?
Still, year after year, Americans flock to Cancun for their winter sun holiday despite the fear mongering and regardless of how expensive some hotels can be, so if you haven’t yet it’s natural to ask yourself why.
Luckily for you, we’re here to shed some light on this subject, and give you not one, but 5 several reasons why Cancun is the best beach vacation for Americans:
Beautiful all-inclusive resorts!
It’s not a Cancun trip unless it’s a all-inclusive partyand in case you’re wondering why the coastal metropolis will set a new tourist record this winter: there are 3 brand new properties which will be launched soon and which will further increase the level of luxury:
We have a new opening of the Hyatt Vivid Grand Island, described as a peaceful adults-only retreat just a 15-minute drive from Cancun International Airport, with two towers overlooking a pristine Nichupté Lagoon, and a whopping 400 rooms.
The second big launch is Secrets Playa Blanca, another Hyatt listing, this time in laid-back Costa Mujeres, 10 miles north of Cancun: 500 modern suites and promising a tropical feel, it is one of the most highly anticipated openings of the season.
Finally, there’s AVA Cancun, a 1,600-room behemoth that offers breathtaking ocean views and a big selection of restaurants and entertainment: think of 17 restaurants, multiple entertainment venues, man-made lagoons and a 20,000 sq ft spa – we doubt guests will ever want to leave.
It is very safe for tourists
Time to address the elephant in the room: how safe is Cancun right now? The latest report from the National Urban Public Safety Survey showed a moderate decline in safety perception among residents and tourists, from 77.8 percent to 73.2 percent.
Like the Cancun sun reports, most people still feel safe in Cancunbecause visitors often don’t leave tourist-designated areas, or even their resort complexes, unless it’s for tours, and the gang activity you see on the news takes place almost exclusively in marginal areas.
Unless they are involved in organized crime, tourists have nothing to worry about, especially within the confines of their hotel, and if you are overly cautious about planning trips to Mexico, if it is somehow reassuring is, you’ll be happy to know security has been beefed up considerable:
The governor of Quintana Roo state, Mara Lezama, confirmed this 60 new smart surveillance cameras have been installed in the hotel zone, not to mention jet ski patrols to monitor the situation on the beaches, and another 600 military personnel to discourage crime on the streets.
It is probably the most tourist-friendly destination in Mexico
Now that we’ve mentioned day trips, one of the main reasons why Americans love Cancun and continue to return annually is how tourist-friendly it can be when it comes to planning cultural or nature-related activities, compared to other parts of Mexico.
If you have reservations about exploring the region independently, every possible attraction under the sun is covered by tour providersthat takes you to all those ancient locations that cannot be reached by public transport, without the added stress of logistics and security measures.
They’re also quite affordable to book: for starters, you can take a jungle ATV tour with zip-lining, and even a cenote dive, from just $58.65or if you like ancient culture, this guided excursion to the Mayan wonder of Chichen Itza starts from a very reasonable $38.35.
Is exploring the Tulum ruins on your list? Don’t worry: for $28.53 this season you can tick off the world famous archaeological zone, And enjoy an early afternoon swim in Cenote Mariposa, one of the most beautiful in the Mexican Caribbean.
Everyone aboard the Mayan Train!
Without a doubt, the most exciting attraction that tourists look forward to experiencing first-hand, and which has not been available in previous years, is the hugely popular Mayan trainthe new scenic train leaving from Cancun.
Launching in phases since December 2023, winter 2024 marks the first season the train is fully operational, with all stations on both the westbound and southbound routes open, connecting Quintana Roo to 4 other states and more than 20 destinations.
It’s the closest Mexico has to one European style public transportation systemand honestly it runs quite smoothly, with comfortable seats, free WiFi available, modern toilets and large windows for panoramic views.
When it comes to determining your next destination after Cancun by Mayan Train, this companion article might be a good starting point – whether it’s the UNESCO-listed city of Campeche, with its intact colonial walls, or a yellow-washed Instagram site . -done Izamal, you are spoiled for choice.
Cancun Airport is the best airport to fly into
Cancun International Airport is undoubtedly the best-equipped and most convenient access point for Americans landing anywhere in Mexico, starting with the fact that it features fully-functional eGates that U.S. passport holders can use for faster, hassle-free border crossings.
Second, they were recently eliminated the high $200 customs fees that used to be imposed on tourists who brought extra electronics in their luggage, such as second computers, electronic tablets or even more than one camera.
Third, Cancun airport is part of the Maya Train railwaywith the station just steps away from the airport – if you use Cancun as a gateway to reach Tulum, Playa Del Carmen or any other Mexican Caribbean city, you will no longer be subject to excessive taxi fares or unreliable buses!
Last but not least, it has the best connectivity on the Mexican coast more than 20 US destinations at your fingertipsaround 89 daily American flights and the most attractive airfares for Americans planning a trip to Mexico during the high season, from as low as $72 one-way traffic.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
