Grand Mayan Resort, Riviera Maya — Photo courtesy of Sharon Gundrum
If you're looking for a great destination for a trip with little ones in tow, consider tropical Mexico. Here are our top 10 reasons why Mexico is the ideal getaway for a family on the go.
1. It’s right there
A flight to Mexico is fairly short, especially compared to some of the other exotic vacation destinations. Atlanta to Cancun is just two and a half hours. Baltimore is just over three. NYC is four. All are seriously manageable for a traveling family.
2. Passports turn your kids into global citizens
Passports bring adventure and expose your kids to different cultures. Go ahead; become global citizens. The US government has made passport procurement a fairly easy process.
3. Mexico has vacation rentals
For families who travel, vacation rentals are a great way to avoid cramped hotel rooms and spread out in more space for less money. Our latest accommodations offered two bedrooms, each with its own spacious bathroom. Both bedrooms had a king bed and a sofa bed, while the living room boasted two sofa beds, each with a trundle. The kitchen was stocked with pretty much everything a family needed to cook. At a vacation rental, it's easy to make breakfast each morning or enjoy a cup of coffee in your room, before heading out to the pools. This saves a good chunk of change over the course of the week.
4. Grocery stores have what you like
This is important, especially if you travel with kids. Now, everyone wants their children to be open to trying new and different foods. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. To prepare for the worst, you can grab some standby items: waffles, cereal, milk, and yogurt. Then make a point to buy some things that are slightly different from your at-home diet: tortillas, rice and beans, huevos rancheros. The grocery stores on the resort property will often have what most travelers need. But convenient enough, other options (think a large store beginning with Wal and ending with Mart) can be just a short taxi or shuttle ride away.
5. Golf courses abound
Many parents will happily go on a family vacation if a trip to the fairway is involved. One resort we stayed at had a generous green, as did at least two of the neighboring resorts. They offered all of the accoutrement needed for the game, so packing clubs and cleats was unnecessary. Where is everyone else while dad (or mom) is finishing the “back nine?” Not at a par-six course, but at No. 6–the pools, of course.
Grand Mayan Resort, Riviera Maya — Photo courtesy of Sharon Gundrum
6. The pools are dreamy
You haven’t seen swimming pools until you’ve seen the pools at a resort in Mexico. They are a crystalline dream. Absolutely beautiful, sprawling, multi-tiered, waterfall laden, and meticulously maintained. One pool spills into the next, rippling on for what seems like forever. The variety of depths and locations around the resort means parents can find the right pool for their kiddos. It also means that adults can find pools sans jumping, splashing, noisy children.
7. Relax in poolside cabanas
Cabanas–or palapas, if you are feeling linguistically adventurous–are the epitome of relaxation. You will relax if you are in a palapa; it’s the rule. Experts say to reserve your palapa the day before for a prime spot around the pool, although is there really a bad place to be poolside in Mexico? Recline on the bed (pillows included), and chill the heck out. Whether you’re seeking shade from the sun, letting the kiddos take a siesta or ordering lunch to your lap, the palapas will contribute to, and encourage, full vacation relaxation.
8. The swim-up pool bar makes cocktails convenient
No tropical vacation is complete without a swim-up pool bar. The list of fruity drinks, cocktails, and beer goes on and on, just like the pools. When the “happy hour bell” starts a-clangin’, the general adult population seems to make a move to the swim-up bar–twice each day. The bartenders are happy enough to fix virgin piña coladas and daiquiris for the kids of the party, ensuring that the whole family can enjoy the drinks, the music, and the Caribbean breeze together.
9. Speak English or Spanish
Speak English or Spanish. Or Spanglish. The always gracious and friendly staff members are happy to respond back in the language of your choice. So roll out your high school Spanish, and teach your kids a few new lines. The staff usually doesn’t laugh at gringos’ attempts. Ay Caramba!
10. Join in! Or don’t
Many resorts offers Kids Clubs for children ages five through 12. Kids can do crafts, play ping-pong, sing songs, learn Spanish, splash around in the pools–all kinds of fun. The activities department also caters to adults, with activities like water aerobics, tennis clinics, beach parties, and so much more. Whether you decide to participate in the fun 'n' games or simply focus on your tan, your stay in Mexico with your family is sure to be a fiesta.
