If you crave a warm, beach getaway, Mexico may be the spot for you to vacation! Long stretches of virgin beaches, white sand and coastal sunsets await, plus of course authentic Mexican food and margaritas! Enjoy the rich culture, history and opportunities for relaxation Mexico has to offer on your next HomeExchange holiday.
For those traveling during the COVID-19 pandemic, Mexico requires no test and no quarantine for those traveling by air, according to the Los Angeles Times. U.S. travelers are currently forbidden from traveling by land across the border for nonessential reasons, but no such ban applies to those who fly.
When you travel with HomeExchange, you're backed by our COVID-19 guarantees. You can also travel with peace of mind, staying in a private home just for you. No need to wear a mask as soon as you leave your room, no risk of bumping into strangers in the lobby: you are on a vacation with all the comforts and benefits of your own home.
See Chichen Itza
Chichen Itza, located in Yucatan State, was one of the largest Mayan civilizations. It is famous for El Castillo, the temple constructed in 900 CE. The pyramid was named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and touring the remains of the city makes for a memorable day trip.
Our advice: Be prepared for the salespeople you will encounter while at this famous location. Souvenir stands are everywhere, offering everything from T-shirts to shot glasses. Bring some pesos and pick up a souvenir to remember your trip!
Snorkel in Cozumel
Cozumel, Mexico is one of the best places in the world to snorkel and dive. The crystal clear water provides visibility up to 200 feet, so you'll have a great view of the diverse aquatic life that makes their home in Cozumel waters. The south and southwestern parts of Cozumel are best and safest for snorkeling.
Our advice: Avid snorkelers should be aware the best time to visit Cozumel is March to June. This is when you have the best chance of calm water, pristine weather and better prices. Don't forget to pack a camera you can use underwater!
Visit the historic center of Mexico City
Bustling Mexico City offers plenty of things to do: visit the Frida Kahlo Museum, or an art museum, attend a tequila tasting, see the beautiful Chapultepec Castle and buy fresh fruit at an outdoor market. Let yourself be absorbed in the culture and all the beauty and fun it has to offer!
Our advice: Check out La Lagunilla, one of Mexico City's most famous open air markets. Every Sunday, you can find this market in the Morelos district and shop for clothes, vintage furniture, art and more. There are plenty of hidden gems to discover, as long as you can fit them in your suitcase!
Be flexible
Being flexible with your travel dates and destination will almost certainly save you money. Consult websites like KAYAK to compare flight prices and find out when the cheapest times to travel will be. Prices can vary widely based on date and which airport you fly into. If you can travel during the off season, consider doing so to beat the crowds and save some money.
For a cheap but absolutely unique and authentic vacation in Mexico, stay in a home exchange. With a home exchange, you can save up to 80% on your housing budget! You can also save on the cost of food with a home exchange, since you will be able to buy products and food at supermarkets and cook them at home.
Tips and tricks from HomeExchange members
“Cabo San Lucas isn't just a party town for college kids, it has some of the most beautiful natural sights to see too! My tip is to take one of the glass bottom boats to Lovers Beach— it is the best way to see all the beautiful sea life as the waters surrounding the area are known for being abundant with fish and other aquatic creatures." -Alexandra
"Playa del Carmen is a perfect place to explore after enjoying a day at the beach— it's full of restaurants, art galleries, comedy shows, and plenty of kid-friendly activities with stops at three places giving you a look from the city to the sea. Best place to catch it at the waterfront park." -Marina
"The most interesting thing we did was visit a few of the cenotes of the area. We went to one called Suytun, which is a huge underground cave with a stone platform in the middle of the water and a hole in the roof where the sun comes in in the middle of the day, giving the space a magical feeling. And our favorite, Cenote Calavera. This one has several holes on the ground where you can jump to reach the water. The first time you jump from one of the small holes it feels that you are jumping into nothingness, but once you jump the first time you realize how fun it is and want to do it again and again." -Ana
Where to travel in Mexico
Beach bums will enjoy Cozumel, Cancun, Isla Mujeres, Los Cabos, and Playa del Carmen.
Those looking to get off the beaten path would love Todos Santos, Puerto Vallarta, Tulum, and Guanajuato.
Want to visit a city? Check out Mexico City, Oaxaca City, Tijuana, San Miguel de Allende, and Chichén Itzá.
