Mexico is Still a Bargain

The H1N1 flu virus has taken a bite out of Mexico’s tourism dollars, and this is making an already cheap vacation even cheaper. Forbes recently stated “you can still find cheap, safe vacations” in Mexico. Mexico has always opened its arms to American tourists. If you are looking for good destinations, stick to the tourist areas of Cabo San Lucas, Riviera Maya, Cozumel and Puerto Vallarta that are less affected by violence and corruption than the more congested, native cities. There are a number of factors that make Mexico a good option for those looking for an inexpensive alternative to a Caribbean island vacation.

Ease of Travel

Direct flights are available to many cities in Mexico from most South and Southwestern cities in the US. Because Mexico is situated in an almost direct line south of the US, there is not a large difference in time zone as there may be for some more Eastern countries in Central and South America. This means your travel time and jet lag are cut back significantly. It also means your flights are generally less expensive, easily around $400. Be wary of tickets that are too cheap, as you may be purchasing in the off season. More than just cold weather, the off season at many Mexican destinations can be rainy.

Westernized Culture

In most of the tourist destinations such as Cabo San Lucas, Riviera Maya, Cozumel and Puerto Vallarta, you will find a highly Western culture. Most vendors and wait staff will speak English, and most restaurants and bars will have American brands. This may take away slightly from the cultural influx you may be seeking, but you can still find culture on day trips to ruins or remote beaches. It is best to stay on resort or in more tourist filled areas at night. While there is some risk of petty crime, these areas tend to have higher security and be well-policed.  

Friendly to Tourists

Mexico cities rely heavily on tourist from the US. Beyond this, many Mexican natives have friends and family residing in the US. This means they are generally friendly to American tourists and welcome the influx of dollars each year. Unlike some remote communities that dislike the resorts and hotels brought by Western tourism, Mexican cities embrace this as a multi-billion dollar industry. You will find street vendors, hotel staff and local musicians welcome your family and your travel dollars. The dollar remains strong against the Peso, making this less expensive than many European options.

Protect Your Health and Safety

RE/MAX Investment Properties compiles reports on crime rates in Mexico. Recently, they found major tourist zones in Mexico are up to 26 times safer than some tourist zones in the US. Nonetheless, there are many slums in Mexico that are in close proximity to tourist areas. Always be aware of your surroundings, and always travel in groups. Carry some extra cash, but do not wear expensive jewelry or carry pricey cameras. You may opt for a disposable camera for the trip. Bringing your own toiletries and washing hands frequently can reduce the risk of infectious disease.

Tags: Cheap travel, hotel deals, mexico travel, travel safety

Cheap Disney Vacations

Once you get inside an airport or a sports stadium, prices on simple items skyrocket. Waters, sodas and bags of popcorn become high-priced goods. This is because you are in a bubble where no outside vendors are permitted. Disneyworld is the biggest “bubble” in the United States. All vendors, including hotels and transportation, are paying a premium to be located on the grounds. This means family fun comes at a very high price most times of the year. From dining to just getting around, you will be paying for the experience. There are little ways to cut fees though, making your dollars go further to get even more happiness from the happiest place on Earth.

Passes through Travel Agents

Disney offers a variety of group tickets. All of them are better deals than buying each park pass independently, but they also require you purchase tickets to a huge amount of activities. If you are looking for more flexibility, Disney travel agents may be able to supply this for you. Small World Vacations, an exclusive Disney agency, does not charge a fee for services. This agency provides custom packages, such as “Magic Your Way,” that allow you to start with the basics and add on from there. There are even options to add on for just a few of the tickets instead of the whole family. This means the adults can add a dining package, and the kids and babysitter can eat on the cheap. Taking a babysitter may allow you to enjoy many of the new additions to the family of Disney activities that are geared toward adults. Beyond the mouse ears, Disney has added many high end restaurants, night clubs, and even a Cirque de Soliel show. Ask a travel agent about enjoying these activities while your kids get the most of the children’s focus.

Discounts, Discounts, Discounts

If you are clever with selecting discounts, there are many to be found. For example, Disney passes are free on your birthday. If you plan your vacation around even one family birthday, you will receive nearly $100 in discounts. Plan to stay during a week when there is more than one birthday, and the savings will continue to rise. Disney also offers free passes with a military ID. That’s right: if you are home on leave, heading to Disneyworld, or Disneyland for that matter, is a great way to reconnect with your family.

Free Sightseeing

While not many activities are free: there are some things you can enjoy without a pass. In Orlando, Disney’s boardwalk has street performers, shops, a dance hall, a dueling piano bars and many other fun sights. Downtown Disney has fountain displays, a play area with thousands of Legos, and magic demonstrations. The hotels themselves can provide hours of sightseeing for the whole family as you gape at the execution of complex themes. Finally, about 20 miles south of Orlando, the Disney Wilderness Reserve has very inexpensive tours of a wildlife reservation. These activities will not dent your pocket.

Tags: cheap disney vacations, Cheap travel, disney vacations, hotel deals

4 No-Hassle Budget Vacation Tips

The popularity of “staycations,” a term for staying home during a vacation, shows just how much people are cutting back luxury spending. If you are one of the hundreds of thousand couples or families cutting back this summer, you can still take a vacation. Implement simple, budget-conscious strategies to make your trip enjoyable but inexpensive. The simple rule to follow: spend when you want to, save when you can. When you are following this rule, you will save money on the day-to-day essentials while still splurging on the fun memories. Try these simple strategies:

1. Shop Around Online

If you are planning on calling a hotel or airline to ask for best rates, you shouldn’t expect to truly get the best rates. Many websites offer market comparables to help you find the truly best deal. Try checking back regularly. If a hotel is not booked leading up to the weekend you are looking to stay there, prices may go down. Remember: renting someone else’s time share is also a great option. Check sites like Craigslist to see what may be available.

2. Go in the Off-Season

Price discrimination is a common practice for both hotels and airlines. If you are not flexible with your travel dates, you can expect to pay more. Instead of heading to Washington DC for the Fourth of July, try going on a fall weekend. Most vacation spots have off seasons. Check the rates over a six-month time period to get a feel for which dates are less popular. One warning: if you are travelling for good weather, check the weather in the off season. For example, many Caribbean locations are cheap in the off season because it is hurricane season.

3. Avoid Expensive Hotels

If you aren’t afraid of the outdoors, consider camping. You can rent a camper, RV, or tent at a camp site for relatively little. There are some campgrounds which will charge you very high rates each evening. Instead, seek out local, state or national parks where camping is permitted. Crystal Cove State Park in Orange County, California, for example, offers a great mix of beach, mountain terrain, the luxury of Laguna Beach and the busy nightlife of nearby Newport Beach. There are just over 30 campsites. Rather than staying in a luxury hotel in the area, and there are plenty, choose the campgrounds to save money.

4. Make Your Own Breakfast and Lunch

Eating out is one of the pleasures of vacation. Avoiding dish duty, grocery shopping and the hassles of planning what to eat each night is very relaxing. You don’t have to give up this experience all together to save money. Try eating out for dinner but making your own breakfast and lunch – including coffee. By drinking coffee in your room and eating in two meals a day, a couple can save on average $50 a day. That $50 can be used to buy the nice bottle of wine over dinner, rent the jet ski or simply have a little left over when the vacation is over.

Tags: hotel deals, off-season travel