SEATTLE — With the arrival of summer and more time for vacation, Mexico is a beautiful choice for a relaxing getaway with the family or as a future wedding destination. Tracey Jardin from Pleasant Holidays shares experiences from her travels to Mexico as well as the best places to visit.
"Mexico is a great destination because of its value," says Jardin, it's truly all-inclusive, "It includes your hotel room, it includes food, it includes some activities on-property. If you're looking to pay one price, go, and not worry about it ... Mexico is a great place. "
Los Cabos is a chic destination that has several new hotels and has plenty of family-friendly activities.
"We went to this place called Flora Farms, it's owned by a family, and they do everything on site," said Jardin. "They have a butcher, they have an ice creamery. When we went there as a team building, I went with my company and we made handmade tortillas and we made some drinks, and we sat down family style so it's great."
Because of the Pacific Northwest's location, Mexico is also an accessible option for destination weddings. Most of the resorts and hotels offer wedding packages.
"Especially for young couples, the wedding ceremony is complimentary or sometimes really at a great deal, and then through your AAA agent, they work with us on getting your guests there," said Jardin.
Some of the packages also include the bride and groom's flights and hotel rooms, easing the stress of planning a destination wedding.
In addition to Los Cabos, many travellers enjoy Riveria Maya in Cancún and Puerto Vallarta.
"Mexico is known for its archaeological sites, some of them you can even climb up on. It's a great place to experience some of [Mexico's] culture," said Jardin.
"You know, during the equinoxes, you can go to Chichén Itzá and then see the sun come up and actually have the snake come up above the pyramids, and see the shadow of the snake."
Granted, the snake itself is not real, but there is a shadow created by the sun's position during the equinox on the pyramids at Chichén Itzá.
Once you have your activities and excursions planned, it's important to consider the weather in Mexico that's sure to be hotter than Seattle.
"Take some nice cool clothing, take comfortable shoes, probably open-toed sandals are a nice thing unless you're going on a hike that requires you to wear sneakers," said Jardin, who visited the country at the height of the summer months.
Great shopping, dining, and spas await you if you are looking for a romantic couples getaway.
"There are some resorts that are for couples only and then some that are for families only," said Jardin. "You've got some that are combined, with properties next to each other so if you're traveling multi-generational, grandparents can stay in one side, mingle with their kids and grand-kids, and then if they want alone time, they can go back over to their side."
While Jardin kept her lips sealed about her favorite hotel, the area she recommends is Los Cabos.
"Los Cabos has some beautiful beaches, but there are some of the resorts that aren't right on the beach and I love it because they'll build their rooms facing the water. So I wake up, get the balcony and the view!" said Jardin.
Mexico's shopping is also a great reason to go. You can find anything from cultural items like woven baskets made by local tribes and artists to luxury shopping in Cancun.
Mexico has a little bit of everything for anyone, making it an accessible and versatile destination for destination weddings, couples, and families from the Pacific Northwest.
Special Offer
Receive an EXCLUSIVE offer of up to $200 Instant Hot Deals Savings if you book your Mexico trip by July 21st and travel through June 2020 on Pleasant Holidays. Call 855-361-7667 to speak with a AAA travel agent.
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