Mexico Holidays
Overview
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Mexico holidays truly have everything you could want and more from a vacation. With the Caribbean along one side and the Gulf of Mexico on the other, the Yucatan Peninsula offers visitors a mix of ancient cultures, mystical ruins, white sand beaches and turquoise waters. There's the lively resort of Cancun with a variety of bars and restaurants, or just down the coast along the Riviera Maya you will find the more relaxed resort of Playacar with beautiful beaches offering a variety of water sports, making it the perfect place for more laidback holidays to Mexico. Just a short ferry ride away is Cozumel offering diving to one of the world's largest coral reefs and for the lovers of history there's the ancient Mayan city of Tulum. Los Cabos and Puerto Vallarta are on the pacific coast and are an ideal spot for surfing and sport fishing with beaches a plenty. The varied aspects of this fascinating country mean holidays to Mexico have something for everybody.
Mexico Highlights
Beaches: Holidays to Mexico are a beach lover's paradise with miles of white sand and turquoise surf. Cancun on the Caribbean coast is great for fun and relaxation, the beaches are beautiful, the water is warm and clear and in the evening the party scene comes to life, a haven for night owls and number one choice for those looking for more lively Mexico holidays. Cozumel is the island opposite the Riviera and combines heritage and culture with sugar-white beaches. The Palancar Reef located just off shore makes this island a popular destination for keen scuba divers. Along Mexico's Pacific coast, you can enjoy shallow bays, golden sand beaches and striking cliffs, discover beautiful beaches such as Acapulco and Puerto Vallarta offering all types of water sports and activities.
Historical sites: Mexican history has left a legacy of majestic archaeology, some sites date back 3,000 years, meaning Mexico holidays have plenty to offer the keen sightseer. To the south, you'll find such sites as ChichenItza which is within a full day trip from all the resorts, with its huge temples and pyramids; and serene smaller sites like Uxmal and Tulum. In the capital, Mexico City will astound you with the architectural beauty of the Palacio de BellasArtes (Palace of Fine Arts), or the Zocalo (one of the largest public squares in the world) often used for festivals and cultural events. Holidays to Mexico also boast the opportunity to visit many quaint Spanish colonial towns with their ornate chapels and cathedrals, bustling plazas and palatial haciendas all waiting to be explored.
Nature: Mexico has an abundance of ecological reserves and nature sites with 22 biosphere reserves, 47 national parks and nine protected areas make Mexico holidays ideal for nature lovers, or anyone interested in wildlife. Visit Xcareteco-archaeological park and see a range of flora and fauna, small Mayan ruins and a natural aquarium. Puerto Vallarta also has much to offer nature lovers: reserves, hiking, sea turtle sanctuaries, and an abundance of flora and fauna. If you take holidays to Mexico between November and April, you can take a boat out to see whales and their offspring, witnessing their life in their natural habitat.
Night Life & Cuisine: Mexico holidays have plenty to offer in terms of great night life and sumptuous cuisine. Expect everything from international fine dining and fast food outlets to open-air Mexican tavernas, whilst there make sure you try some local specialities like Panuchos which are fried corn tortillas filled with chicken beans and salad. Cancun is well known for its party scene, with a wide range of bars and restaurants but if you're looking for a hot spot to dance to the beat of Latin rhythms, we recommend Cocobongo. Cozumel, Acapulco and Playa del Carmen are also great places to visit on your holidays to Mexico if it's nightlife you want, with bars, clubs and restaurants a plenty.
Sports & Activities: On your holidays to Mexico you can try exciting excursions and activities, such as scuba diving in the coral lagoons that surround Cozumel, swimming with sharks and dolphins, speedboat tours, kayaking and whitewater rafting to name but a few. If you're looking for a more laid back approach there's sailing, golf, a variety of shopping, nature walks, museums and spas. You name it, Mexico holidays probably have it on offer!
Mexico Factfile
When to go
Temperature Range: 17°C - 40°C
Most popular: Christmas, Easter and Summer school holidays as well as Spring break
Best value: May, June, September, October and November
Best weather: November - April
Travel Information
Direct flights: British Airways and Thomson
Indirect flights: British Airways, Continental Airlines and American Airlines
Visa information: None for British citizens
Health information: Hepatitis A, Polio, Typhoid immunisation and malaria tablets are recommended.
Time Difference: GMT -6 hours
When To Go
Best Value
To avoid the highest prices, take your Mexico holidays after Easter but before mid December as there will generally be fewer crowds and in certain months you can save up to 50%. During the European school holiday months such as July and August you will find that prices will increase again in popular beach areas.
Best Time to Go
Mexico has a very diverse climate depending on where you are. In general there is more rain in Mexico during August, September and October, so if you plan to head for the beach on your Mexico holidays it's probably best to stick to the drier months of November to April. Mexico City however is on a high plain, which means that even in the summertime the nights can be cool. Plan your holidays to Mexico carefully so you can take advantage of the best weather.
Most Popular
A lot of Mexican families during the school holidays like to travel so you may find hotels and public transport busier if you take Mexico holidays during the Christmas, Easter and Summer breaks. Beach destinations are a popular choice for spring breakers taking holidays to Mexico; spring break in the US usually falls during March but can vary year to year so always best to double check before booking.
Hottest
The hottest months in Mexico are usually June and July. If you are staying along the coast during your Mexico holidays, temperatures are slightly cooler due to the sea breeze but can still reach the mid 30's whereas in mainland areas you can expect temperatures in the 40's with not much if any breeze at all.
Climate
Mexico generally boasts a tropical climate year round with distinct wet and dry seasons, making it fairly easy to plan your Mexico holidays around the weather. The climate can vary depending on which area you are located as Mexico as a whole is very diverse. It has tropical forests, dry deserts, fertile valleys and snow capped mountains. On average Mexico has temperatures between 16 and 27°C. The rainy season through Mexico falls roughly from May through to September or October but don't let this put you off taking holidays to Mexico in this period as it often only rains in the late afternoons and evenings and results in lush green landscapes.
Mexico Travel Information
Etiquette and Customs
Although crime is relatively low always be aware of possessions on Mexico holidays and do not draw attention to yourself with extravagant expensive jewellery.
When greeting in local social situations, women tend to pat each other on the right forearm or shoulder and men shake hands.
Learning to say even the simplest phrases such as 'thank you' (gracias), and 'please' (por favor) in Spanish is courteous and locals will appreciate you making an effort.
Tipping
Hotels and restaurants usually add 15% to the bill. If they don't, tip 10 - 15%. Tip porters about 1US$ per suitcase, and also tip hotel maids. Some larger all inclusive resorts, popular with tourists taking holidays to Mexico, don't allow tipping, as it may already be included, so always check before hand.
Flight information
There are two main carriers offering flights to Cancun with two more going via the States, and one main carrier to Mexico City with another going via the States.
Direct Carriers: Direct carriers from the UK are British Airways from London Gatwick to Cancun and British Airways from London Heathrow to Mexico City. Thomson also offer a direct charter service to Cancun from most regional airports from May to December.
Indirect Carriers: British Airways offer flights from most other regional airports such as Manchester, Glasgow and Edinburgh with a connection via London Gatwick or London Heathrow. Continental offer an indirect service to both Cancun and Mexico City via the states from most regional airports, and American Airlines offer an indirect service to Cancun via the States, making flying out on your Mexico holidays flexible and convenient.
Visa information
British Citizens are NOT required to have a visa to enter Mexico for up to 1 month, which is longer than the average holiday to Mexico, but your passport must be valid for at least six months after your date of return.
Mexico Special Offers
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Direct Flights Available
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Includes Early Booking Discount
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Direct Flights Available
