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Easter week (Semana Santa) in Quintana Roo holds a special kind of energy. You can almost feel the buzz as world-famous spots like Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and the Riviera Maya prepare to welcome visitors from around the globe. It’s peak season, and the numbers show it – an estimated 1.2 million people are expected to arrive, drawn by the promise of sunshine, stunning beaches, and rich culture.

That sheer number of visitors is a testament to the region’s incredible appeal. But, as you can imagine, it also requires thoughtful planning to ensure the experience remains positive and safe for everyone – both the visitors making memories and the residents who call this beautiful place home. To manage this vibrant influx, the state government has put a significant support plan into action, running through April 27th.

A Major Commitment to Well-being

At the heart of this plan is a considerable mobilization of personnel – over 7,000 security individuals are involved across the state’s 11 municipalities. Governor Mara Lezama highlighted this deployment, underscoring its purpose: to serve the public during this exceptionally busy time.

Seeing a figure like 7,244 personnel gives a sense of the scale. It’s not just local police; it’s a coordinated effort involving state and municipal officers (5,560 of them), federal forces, and dedicated teams from the Mexican Navy (472 personnel), the Ministry of National Defense (233 troops), and the National Guard (979 members). This kind of teamwork across different agencies is crucial for managing logistics and ensuring widespread coverage.

Visible Support, Focused on a Positive Experience

What does this coordinated effort look like on the ground? For people enjoying the area, it translates to a visible, reassuring presence. According to security officials like Undersecretary Antonio Esteban Peralta Amador, you’ll see patrols actively monitoring popular gathering points – beaches, entertainment districts, restaurants – helping to maintain a safe and pleasant atmosphere.

Crucially for travelers, 217 dedicated Tourism Police officers are deployed in the main hubs (Cancún, Cozumel, Chetumal/Costa Maya, Isla Mujeres, Playa del Carmen). These officers are specifically trained to assist visitors, readily available to offer directions, answer questions, or provide support. Think of them as accessible points of contact focused on ensuring a smooth visitor experience. Road safety checkpoints and camera monitoring are also part of the strategy, aimed at managing traffic flow and providing oversight.

Enabling Exploration Beyond the Beach

Governor Lezama emphasized that the goal extends beyond just basic safety. It’s about allowing visitors to have an “extraordinary vacation” and confidently explore the diverse wonders Quintana Roo offers. While the beaches are legendary, she pointed to the state’s stunning lagoons, unique cenotes, fascinating archaeological sites, rich gastronomy, and connections with Indigenous cultures as experiences to be discovered.

This security framework provides the foundation, the peace of mind, that allows people to comfortably venture out and immerse themselves in everything the region has to offer.

Balancing Popularity with Quality Experience

Ultimately, this plan reflects the reality of managing a world-class tourist destination during its peak season. It’s about finding the right balance – ensuring visitors have an unforgettable and safe trip, while also supporting local communities and infrastructure under the pressure of high demand. It’s a significant undertaking aimed at preserving the positive atmosphere and reputation Quintana Roo is known for.

By proactively coordinating resources and personnel, the state aims to ensure this Easter holiday period is remembered for the right reasons – vibrant culture, stunning nature, and a welcoming, secure environment for everyone.

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Handling over 32 million passengers last year, Cancun Airport is one of the busiest hubs in Mexico, only behind Mexico City’s Benito Juárez.

That’s hardly surprising news, considering it serves both the city of Cancun, the number one resort destination for Americans flying abroad, and the wider Mexican Caribbean, which comprises secondary destinations like Isla Mujeres, Playa Del Carmen, and Puerto Morelos.

Be that as it may, the airport isn’t immune to criticism:

From the long border waits, to a perceived injustice in the treatment of certain travelers, to the infamous ‘Shark Tank’, a long corridor of shouting taxi drivers, mostly scammers, newcomers must walk in order to exit, it can be a stressful experience.

This year, airport authorities have vowed to crack down on the known issues and will be making 3 significant changes to help visitors feel more welcome—especially if they’re Americans concerned with the souring U.S.-Mexico relations:

100 New Border Agents Are Being Deployed

Let’s start with the main complaint travelers pose when landing: the insanely long border bottlenecks.

As you know, whenever you fly out of the States, you’ll be going through passport control at your destination: usually a border officer will interview you briefly to understand your reasons for visiting, ask to see some documentation, and then finally stamp you into the country.

In Mexico, this documentation includes (naturally) a valid passport if you’re a U.S. citizen, but they may also request proof of an outbound or return ticket, so make sure you have yours in hand just in case.

The issue is, lots of travelers lately have been complaining of ‘slow moving lines’, as the screening process gets stricter and border agents spend longer time interviewing individuals, and a ‘general inefficiency’ in the entry process as a whole, as reported by Riviera Maya News.

In fact, a number of travelers have even reported ‘mistreatment’, particularly when coming from underdeveloped Latin American countries or even from the U.S.

As you might know, bilateral relations between the United States and their southerly neighbor aren’t great at the moment, with the White House going as far as renaming the Gulf of Mexico ‘Gulf of America’, and intensifying border patrols.

This week, in a meeting chaired by Mara Lezama, the Governor of Quintana Roo, which governs Cancun, authorities announced that, in response to these concerns, 100 additional border agents will be deployed.

This should alleviate the pressure at the border by ‘covering’ the 110 checkpoints distributed around the airport’s three terminals and ensuring a smooth flow of passengers without significant delays, regardless of the terminal they arrive in.

The more interesting part, however, comes next:

According to Lezama, ‘training programs’ will be put in place to ensure officers and airport staff are able to provide ‘warm and friendly service‘ to visitors.

The Governor did not refer to the ‘incidents’ affecting select travelers as of late, though we understand it’s a direct response to issues raised by countries like Colombia, whose nationals have been known to be mistreated, and American travelers worried about the geopolitics of it.

e-Gates Are Increasing In Number

The second part still refers to the improvement of the border experience, except it largely concerns U.S. and Canada passport holders only:

The number of e-Gates, the autonomous gates for immigration screening, is increasing in all three terminals.

Since 2023, U.S. and Canadian citizens have been eligible to use e-Gates when landing in Cancun for faster screening.

This involves scanning their passport in one of the automated machines, and crossing into Mexico without further questioning, and bypassing the manual check on border agents’ part altogether—needless to say, these have proven a huge success from introduction.

Quintana Roo officials have not confirmed how many more e-Gates will be added, but if you’re keen on avoiding any border wait whatsoever, make sure you’re traveling on a biometric passport, and that it hasn’t suffered any damage.

If you’re wondering what a biometric passport is, just look for the tiny camera symbol at the bottom of the cover, and if it’s there, you’re good to go:

A majority of U.S. issued passports these days is biometric.

Free Wi-Fi At The Airport Soon?

Oh, there’s one more thing:

Airport authorities have confirmed they’re working on bringing free connectivity for a longer period of time to all travelers.

As any of you who have flown into and out of Cancun before will know, there is, in fact, free Wi-Fi at the airport, but it only works for up to 60 minutes, and after the one hour elapses, you’re required to pay to continue accessing the internet.

This can be a pain if you’ve just landed in Cancun, you don’t have a local SIM, and there’s a long wait at the border, or if you’re transiting through the hub, on your way somewhere or back home, and you have several hours ahead of you and no Wi-Fi available.

Some would deem that unacceptable, and rightly so: most airports have free, unlimited Wi-Fi, as we’ve reached a silent understanding it’s not a luxury, but a necessity for most, especially if you’re traveling and can’t afford to go AWOL for consecutive hours.

You know how these things go in Mexico: there’s no date of implementation yet, but we’ll be sure to check the next time we log into the INMVITADOS platform landing in Cancun.

Either way, this is all very promising.

Vinicius Costa

Vini, our senior lead writer at Travel Off Path, has over 60+ countries under his belt (and currently weaving tales from Paris!), and a knack for turning off-the-beaten-path experiences into informative stories that will have you packing your bags.

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Get ready, Oklahoma City! In a thrilling first for Will Rogers World Airport (OKC), American Airlines has just announced a groundbreaking new route. Starting November 8, 2025, Oklahomans will have direct access to the sun-drenched beaches of Cancun, Mexico (CUN) thanks to a brand-new, Saturday-only nonstop service. This historic announcement marks a major leap forward for the city, finally connecting Oklahoma City directly to an international destination for the first time ever.

End of Connecting Flights for International Travel

If you lived in Oklahoma City or nearby, getting to an international destination usually meant dealing with connecting flights through bigger airports. But that’s about to change! This new nonstop service to Cancun is a game-changer for Oklahomans wanting to travel abroad. No more frustrating layovers – this direct route will slash travel time and make things so much easier, whether you’re heading to the beach for vacation, planning a family getaway, or a business traveler needing to get there efficiently. You can bet local leaders and the community are thrilled, seeing this as a huge step forward for the city and its connections to the wider world.

Mayor Holt Celebrates “Historic Moment”

“To finally welcome a nonstop international flight to Oklahoma City for the first time in a generation is a historic moment for us,” Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt said in a news release. “This milestone is a testament to our city’s renaissance, as well as a reflection of our willingness to invest in ourselves. This would not have been possible without the vision of our airport leadership to construct the necessary facilities and their persistence in marketing this opportunity to the carriers. Our gratitude to them, as well as American Airlines.”

American Airlines Utilizing Boeing 737 Aircraft

You’ll be flying on a Boeing 737 when you take American Airlines’ new route from Oklahoma City to Cancun. American picked this plane to give everyone a comfy and reliable ride. Since it’s a Saturday-only flight, it’s ideal week-long adventures, giving you the chance to get away to Cancun’s sunny beaches and lively atmosphere. This service runs every Saturday from November 8, 2025, to April 4, 2026.

Cancun: A Premier Destination for Oklahoma Travelers

Cancun, situated on the northeast coast of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, is globally recognized as a leading tourist destination. Its allure lies in its stunning white-sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and rich Mayan history. The city boasts a diverse range of attractions, including luxurious all-inclusive resorts, a lively and engaging nightlife scene, and significant ancient Mayan ruins such as Chichen Itza. Additionally, the underwater environment offers exceptional opportunities for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts. The new nonstop flight from Oklahoma City is anticipated to be particularly appealing to families, couples seeking romantic getaways, and students during spring break, all looking for an easily accessible tropical vacation.

Years of Effort Culminate in International Service

The launch of this inaugural international route is the result of dedicated efforts spanning several years by the Oklahoma City Airport Trust and various local stakeholders. Their collective goal was to enhance the capabilities of Will Rogers World Airport and attract international carriers. A crucial step in realizing this vision was the recent completion of a Federal Inspection Station at the airport. This new facility is essential for efficiently processing international passengers and handling customs procedures, thereby paving the way for airlines like American to introduce international services.

Tickets on Sale Soon

Tickets for the new nonstop Saturday service from Oklahoma City to Cancun will go on sale starting Monday, March 31, and can be booked directly through the American Airlines website.

Airports Director Highlights Community Partnership

“We are excited American Airlines will be offering international flights to Cancun this winter,” said Airports Director Jeff Mulder in the news release. “American Airlines is a great partner, and we appreciate their support of OKC and our community. We are nearing completion of our customs facility, which will allow this new international service to become a reality. This type of new international nonstop service elevates OKC to a new level and offers our travelers another quality-of-life improvement.”

This new route marks a significant chapter in the history of Will Rogers World Airport and promises to bring the world closer to Oklahoma City.

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Delta is tackling the globe yet again, adding to their already impressive portfolio where seemingly no destination is unreachable.

That being said, it’s kinda surprising to learn there are still major U.S. cities lacking connectivity to Cancun on one of Americans’ favorite airlines, but Delta is set to change that.

Additionally, there is another exciting country Delta is venturing into for the first time, and I had the pleasure of visiting last fall.

Spoiler alert: it’s one of the most culturally captivating cities I’ve ever been to, and I enjoyed it so much it tops my list as my go-to digital nomad destination if I ever build up the courage to take the full plunge.

Delta is adding more pins to their route map on 3 continents, totaling 4 new cities Americans fly to nonstop in 2025.

Melbourne: New Long-Haul Flight To ‘The Land Down Under’

When you think of Australia, it’s likely that Sydney comes to mind…as well as multiple Crocodile Dundee quotes and a strong vendetta against sting rays for taking Steve Irwin’s life.

But despite Sydney’s global recognition, travelers often find Melbourne to be Australia’s most surprising delight as far as the country’s major cities go.

Home to beautiful beaches, such as popular St. Kilda and one-of-a-kind Brighton Beach, lined with colorful beach huts (a.k.a. “bathing boxes), this diverse cultural hub is great for those seeking outdoor adventures or urban experiences, especially if you’re a foodie or coffee lover.

Delta is making Melbourne easier to reach with a new flight launching from Los Angeles (LAX) December 2025, which is actually summer in Australia.

Cancun: Cheaper Margaritas And Caribbean Bliss

If any state can sling margaritas the right way, it’s Texas. And since all my exes live there, I’ve poured many, which is all the more reason to leave the Lone Star State if you’ve had to displeasure to know them.

Exes aside, it’s fair to say Austin has become Dallas 2.0, losing much of its notorious ‘weird’ vibe appeal in place of techy startup ventures, a packed cityscape of new high-rises, and more chains replacing independent shops and eateries.

If you’re tired of sharing what used to be empty Greenbelt trails, seeing food truck parks turned into new apartment complexes, and being stuck in traffic thanks to Californians moving here, there’s no better relaxing escape than Cancun’s vivid blue waters and luxe resorts.

Delta is launching new daily service from Austin (AUS) to Cancun December 20, 2025 through an undetermined date in April 2026.

In case you missed it: Delta is also launching a new flight this spring to Punta Cana, one of the prettiest resort towns in the Caribbean.

Adventure Awaits In 2 African Cities

Africa isn’t on everyone’s Bingo card for 2025, but don’t let mainstream news dictate where you go, spoiling your sense of adventure.

Yes, Africa is home to some very poor and downright dangerous regions, but just like Mexico, a favorite for Americans to vacation, negative headlines shouldn’t be a blanket statement for anywhere.

Plus, even destinations like Cape Town have managed to make a comeback after being considered super sketchy in recent years.

But we’re not here to sell you on Cape Town or anywhere else, but what I can attest to personally is Marrakesh, Morrocco’s bustling capital city is the perfect gateway into Africa.

Largely English-speaking, friendly, welcoming, and providing a sensory overload of sights of timeless mosques and palaces, sounds of call to prayer and snake charmers, and various aromas through the maze of souks encapsulate a trip you’ll never forget.

While there are numerous direct flights to Marrakesh, the reality is we prefer to fly U.S.-based airlines.

Delta is launching its first-ever route to Marrakesh from Atlanta (ATL) October 25, 2025.

Additionally, Delta is adding a new seasonal service to Accra, Ghana, one of Africa’s safest destinations and an excellent place to book a safari or simply enjoy Ghana’s famed hospitality, whether it be exploring the sites of Accra or visiting small villages off-the-beaten-path.

Delta already flies to Accra from New York, but Atlanta is clearly the big winner of the airline’s latest additions, with new flights to both Marrakesh and Accra (ACC).

The latter is slated for launch December 1, 2025.

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 30 countries and written over 400 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.

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Mexico is famous for many things. It’s ancient ruins, colonial architecture, and delicious food immediately spring to mind.

But perhaps the most iconic Mexican attraction is the nation’s beautiful beaches.  

Mexico’s beaches offer an incredible mix of white sand, idyllic Caribbean waters, and fierce Pacific waves.

You can choose from remote beaches with nothing but seascape for miles or fully equipped beaches with bars, beach beds, and everything else you need for a great day out. 

So which are the best of the best?  

TripAdvisor has unveiled their Travelers Choice Awards Best of the Best Beaches in Mexico, and these are the top five:  

5. Playa el Chileno, Cabo San Lucas 

In fifth place is Playa el Chileno, located in Cabo San Lucas.

This is considered one of the most swimmable beaches in Cabo San Lucas, which means it attracts both families and watersports enthusiasts.  

There’s a dive shop located on the beach, so if you want to try your hand at diving or snorkeling then you’ll have everything you need on hand.  

You’ll find a lovely mix of locals and tourists here, creating a relaxed and low-key vibe.

This beach is immaculately cleaned, and the facilities are well cared for, too. It’s a great choice for a water-focused day out.  

Getting to the beach is easy, too. If you hire a car or take a taxi, the beach is a straightforward 15-minute drive from downtown Cabo San Lucas. Via public transport, you can take the Supercabos bus to the beach entrance. 

4. Playa El Cielo, Cozumel 

Cozumel is famous for its beautiful beaches but the one that really stands out from the crowd is Playa El Cielo.  

Like all of the beaches on this list Playa El Cielo is a spectacular, visually stunning beach.

But what really makes this beach stand out from the crowd is what lies beneath.  

This is an incredible beach for snorkeling and home to an abundance of sea life. Stingrays and starfish, in particular, call this area home, but you can also find turtles here.  

It’s worth noting that the only way to get to El Cielo beach is by boat. You can take a combined boat ride and snorkeling tour of the beach with El Cielo snorkel tours.

These trips cost $69 per adult.  

3. Balandra Beach, La Paz 

Balandra Beach is a wonderfully unique horseshoe shaped beach located just outside of La Paz on the Baja California Sur peninsula.  

You’ll find crystal clear, shallow water here, so much so that you can walk from one side of the bay to the other without needing to swim.  

Its shallow waters make it a great place for swimming and snorkeling, and the rocky landscape surrounding the bay provides an incredible vantage point from which to appreciate the beauty of the undulating sand just beneath the water.  

In fact, Balandra Beach is so special and unique that, due to its natural beauty and biodiversity, it has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  

2. Playa Norte, Isla Mujeres 

Playa Norte is the main beach on Isla Mujeres, which is a small tropical island paradise just off the coast of Cancun.

This is a wide expanse of breathtakingly beautiful beach, considered one of Mexico’s most visually stunning.  

The sand here has an unusual tinge of pink as it is actually formed by crushed coral. This pink tone is even more visible at the shoreline when the sand is wet.  

One of the things that makes Playa Norte so appealing is that the water is so shallow: even if you keep wading out, it will only reach your waist.

This makes it a great spot for intergenerational vacations, as it’s great for swimming and for children to play.  

Getting to Playa Norte is a breeze too. Take a ferry ride to Isla Mujeres from Cancun with Ultramar, which costs $14.50 per adult.  

1. Playa Delfines, Cancun 

According to TripAdvisor, Playa Delfines is officially the best beach in Mexico. It isn’t the most well-known beach in Cancun, but it’s well worth making the time to visit.  

When you imagine a picture-perfect beach, Playa Delfines is probably what you’re imagining. This is a free public beach that offers amazing panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea.

In fact, it’s a rare free beach in the Hotel Zone amongst a sea of private hotel beaches.  

The sand here is a vibrant, bright white, and the water is a perfect turquoise blue. As an added bonus, this is where you’ll find the giant iconic ‘Cancun’ sign, an essential photo spot.  

Getting here is easy too. You can either jump in a taxi or if you’re on a tighter budget then the R-1, R-2, or R-27 city buses all go to the beach from downtown Cancun or the Hotel Zone.  

Tor Brierley

Tor has been writing for more than 20 years and has visited 25 countries (and counting!) She specializes in European and family travel and never says no to new adventures.

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Last Updated 1 day ago

Cancun is the most sought-after destination for Americans going abroad: with its all-inclusive resorts, buzzing shopping scene, and beautiful beaches lapped by turquoise seas, there is no doubt it is set for yet another record-breaking season.

That being said, a week in paradise does not come with its own share of good old bureaucracy.

In April 2021, the state of Quintana Roo, where Cancun is located, introduced VISITAX, a tourist fee required for all arrivals.

The tax applies to tourists landing in Cancun, though since its introduction, authorities have been very lax in enforcing the new law, which is no longer happening moving forward––and for that dodger out there, you might want to think twice:

Not paying this fee could get your passport flagged.

What Is The Cancun VISITAX?

First of all, what is exactly VISITAX?

This is a tourist tax with the aim to generate revenue for new infrastructure, with some examples being new technology to keep the coast sargassum-free, the revitalization of the Tajamar boardwalk, and even road improvements.

We know you’re already wondering why you have to pay the Quintana Roo state on top of your already-expensive all-inclusive resort, but personally, we can’t even be mad at it when we’re seeing the advancement of projects, and the fact it costs only 271 Mexican pesos.

In U.S. dollars, that’s a negligible $13.40, and all travelers aged 15 and over must pay.

Also, Cancun is not the only destination to have added a tourist fee in recent years: you can no longer even board a U.K.-bound flight without applying first for their new travel authorization, and just south of Mexico, Belize is the latest to have introduced a similar requirement.

For three years now, however, airport officials have not bothered checking whether tourists have paid the tax or not, with Americans either being completely ignored or let off altogether.

As reported by the Cancun Sun, this changes with immediate effect.

What Are The Consequences For Not Paying?

Starting this season, tourists who do not show proof of paying the tourist tax might face consequences.

For starters, agents have been stopping tourists departing from Cancun Airport to ensure they have paid the tax before flying out of the state, either to other destinations in Mexico or to their home country.

In most cases, they are simply asked to pay the fee on the spot before leaving, without serious repercussions, but according to the Cancun Sun, others who attempt to leave without paying could be in for an unpleasant surprise coming back to Cancun.

Whether it’s fines or something else, the full extent of the consequences hasn’t been formally detailed––still, one that has been mentioned explicitly is the addition of an ‘observation’ to your passport.

We don’t know what this means exactly, but we do know we don’t want to get our passports flagged by any authorities, particularly when it’s such a minor inconvenience, such as forking out as little as $13 bucks and a few cents.

Should you choose to ignore the requirement, and manage to get away with it, it is probable you will have to pay double the fee returning to Cancun, as border agents will have access to your passport observations, or even be issued a fine, which is unspecified at this point.

Trust us, you don’t want to get handed a fine in a foreign country, where laws are different than your homeland, and values can be quite hefty.

Moral of the story, just pay the fee.

How To Pay Cancun’s VISITAX Fee

How do you pay the VISITAX fee?

There are two simple ways to do it: online through the official VISITAX website or upon arrival at one of the kiosks located inside Cancun Airport, Tulum Airport, or other entry points into the state of Quintana Roo.

Needless to say, paying online in advance is the most convenient alternative as you’ll be avoiding waiting in line.

The process is very straightforward. You’ll fill out a simplified form, where you’ll be asked to enter your name, birth date, departure date, and preferred payment method (currently, you can only pay with a credit or debit card).

Once payment is confirmed, you’ll be issued a QR code to show to agents when the time comes.

Oh, and beware of scammers!

These are the only two ways you can legitimately pay your VISITAX contribution: do not trust scammers waiting at the arrivals hall or outside the airport, asking for three to four times the actual fee.

Vinicius Costa

Vini, our senior lead writer at Travel Off Path, has over 60+ countries under his belt (and currently weaving tales from Paris!), and a knack for turning off-the-beaten-path experiences into informative stories that will have you packing your bags.

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Last Updated 4 months ago

Is there any destination more sought after by Americans right now than Cancun?

Of course not! It’s the most popular international vacation spot in the world for us…and by a large mark.

Lined with seemingly endless high-end beach resorts along crystal blue waters, it’s easy to see why Cancun has reached unfathomable heights.

Even though it’s extremely popular, don’t hold it against Cancun that airfare can be sky-high. It’s not their fault; airlines know what they’re doing.

Cancun is just too good to pass up!

That being said, a new report from insiders at the Cancun Sun revealed the best times to plan out your next trip and good news is there’s no need to rush to plan out your sargassum-free Cancun vacation.

Cancun Is The Perfect Spot For A Late Summer Getaway

One of the easiest destinations to reach across our borders, Cancun has a plethora of flight options from just about any U.S. airline, plus a handful of Mexican carriers.

Airfare can be pretty pricey in the midst of summer, but not so much toward the end. If you can hold off visiting in July, then August will be one of your best bets for the ultimate savings in paradise.

According to Google Flights, major airports, such as DFW, ORD, and FLL have nonstop flights to Cancun mid-August for less than $250 round-trip.

It’s not just airfare, however. You can score big on resorts too, which is probably what you’re hoping for since Cancun is perhaps the top all-inclusive beach resort destination in the world.

Here is a sample size:

Weekend rates at the ritzy Wyndham Alltra Cancun all-inclusive resort are as low as $284 per night this August.

This same resort costs almost double crossing the $400 threshold in January, a time when many Americans are desperate for a sunny vacation.

Squeeze In A Post-Labor Day Vacation

While rates tend to soar around the holidays, if you push back your celebration you can find great deals in Cancun.

But be aware – the weather can be moody this time of year. You may not get as many sunny photo-ops as you envision, but is there ever really a bad time to vacation in Cancun?

September can be viewed as the end of summer or the beginning of fall, toeing the line between the 2 seasons.

However you slice it, it’s one of the best times of year for vacation savings. For example the beachfront Westin Resort & Spa Cancun can be booked for $93 in September compared to double the rate in December and January.

Likewise for all-inclusive stays, such as Oleo Cancun Playa All Inclusive Boutique Resort as low as $81 in September, but shooting to the high $200’s in January.

It’s Never Too Early To Plan A Trip

It seemed like summer would never get here, but here we are. Travelers are flocking far and wide with Cancun high on many travelers’ wishlists.

While many of us are still putting the finishing touches on summer trips, it’s never too early to plan ahead.

October is a great time to visit Cancun for less crowds – quite the opposite of Spring Break.

The most expensive months to visit are December through March, so why not jump the gun and get in while you can?

Rates drop significantly during the month of October across the board, from boutique hotels to lavish 5-star resorts.

While opting for all-inclusive may seem pricier at the time, think of it this way – the only extras you’ll be spending are souvenirs since food, drinks, and oftentimes transportation is covered.

One of the best deals to book in October is a stay at Fiesta Americana Condesa Cancún All Inclusive for as low as $145 per night.

If you were to stay here later on during the bitterly cold winter for many Americans, rates spike to as much as $493 in January.

How’s that for savings?!

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 30 countries and written over 400 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.

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Love it or hate it, Cancun is the most popular destination for Americans going abroad this winter: for some, it just can’t be beat on the hospitality front, what with the numerous luxury resorts, bustling shopping scene, and of course, beautiful beachfront.

That being said, a growing number of visitors seem to have had enough of Cancun–or, to be more specific, its surging crowds–and are now banking on this paradisiacal island lying just off the Yucatanese coast.

It has unspoiled beaches running along crystal-clear oceans for several long miles, it feels far more peaceful and offbeat, and it offers something Cancun can’t: ancient culture.

Welcome To Cozumel

The largest island off the coast of Mexico, Cozumel is experiencing a well-deserved tourism revival at the minute, as vacationers swap the jam-packed Riviera Maya for less-busy alternatives––and it doesn’t get more laid-back than an island getaway.

According to a new report by Expedia, it is particularly popular among young travelers right now, who do not have children, are flying to Mexico primarily for relaxation and some much-needed quality time in the sun, and no longer feel Cancun’s mega resorts meet their needs.

All you got to do is look at the figures for both: while Cancun is home to a whopping 189 properties, as listed on Booking.com, Cozumel has 45; Cancun is a coastal metropolis over 800,000 people call home, whereas the entire population of Cozumel is 88,626.

Last but not least, Cancun hosts over 10 million international guests yearly, so it never feels exactly idyllic, even when you’re lounging by a private beach––Cozumel, on the other hand, receives an average 2 million visitors per year.

Cozumel Is Perfect For Beating The Riviera Crowds

Expedia’s report is particularly timely, seeing Cancun is gearing up for another record-breaking season, with occupation within the Hotel Zone already 90%, and it’s not even December: great news for the local tourism industry… not-so-great news for crowd-wary vacationers.

Lucky for them, Cozumel offers a plethora of unspoiled playas and tourist attractions that are not as crowded:

Think Playa Palancar, with its vibrant-colored reefs and soft, white sands, the snorkeling hotspot that is Playa Corona, or the well-frequented Paradise Beach, a beach club playing uptempo beats and serving food and drinks all day.

For families, Playa Mia Grand Beach Park is the place to go, offering a wide range of amenities, including oceanfront pools, restaurants and water slides for the kids, and if you’re a nature enthusiast, Chankanaab National Park has verdant areas, jungle trails, and secluded beaches.

Costing $29 to enter, it is one of the largest protected reserves in the Mexican Caribbean, and it’s also a popular port of call for cruise ships, so if you want to experience it in all its glory, without the day-trippers, we suggest going early or later in the day.

Cozumel Has The Culture Cancun Doesn’t

Another advantage Cozumel has over Cancun is it wasn’t built in the 70s to accommodate American tourists:

It’s an island that’s been inhabited for thousands of years, and it has the cultural wealth to back it up, with Mayan ruins scattered around its 184.5 square miles, some as old as 800 AD, like El Cedral, a group of Mayan dwellings lying in ruins near the namesake town.

Cozumel’s most relevant historical site is San Gervasio, an ensemble of monuments and temples attributed to a cult to Mayan jaguar goddess Ixchel––some of the main structures include Las Manitas, where local leader Lord Itzá de Cozumel lived, Casa Alta and the Central Plaza.

Even in Chankanaab there are Mayan landmarks, or should we say, replicas of them: if you’re visiting the park, make sure you stop by its collection of reconstructed Mayan temples, the famous reclining Chacmool statue, and the colossal Olmec heads.

Looking For Unique Experiences?

Expedia has noted there is an increasing preference for more unique experiences among visitors to the Mexican Caribbean.

In other words, lying by the poolside all day sipping mimosas no longer satisfies their wanderlust, and they’re craving more… well, it’s not like Cozumel is lacking in cultural attractions, with its historic sites, authentic villages and thrilling tours:

Tourists can, for instance, opt to visit San Gervasio with a jeep tour, passing by unforgettable landscapes and undeveloped jungle on their way to the abandoned Mayan settlement, for $95.34 per person on GetYourGuide.

Small-group buggy tours starting at $143 are also offered in Punta Sur, where some of the most pristine beaches on the island are found, and if you’re a water baby, you’ll love this guided excursion of Cozumel’s Mayan treasures, topped with free time in the exclusive Playa Uvas.

Cozumel is one of the top trendiest destinations for the upcoming year-–again, according to Expedia––and it’s not hard to see why.

Vinicius Costa

Vini, our senior lead writer at Travel Off Path, has over 60+ countries under his belt (and currently weaving tales from Paris!), and a knack for turning off-the-beaten-path experiences into informative stories that will have you packing your bags.

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Heading to a sunny Cancun this winter, and as usual, you’re concerned with your personal safety after being bombarded with mainstream news stories on how crime in the Mexican Caribbean is rising?

While there is some truth to that, and we would definitely recommend you exercise greater caution visiting, Cancun remains one of the safest––if not the safest––beach destination in Mexico this season, especially if your primary reason for going is, well, basking in the tropical sun in a luxury resort.

Unless you’ve kept up to date with the latest developments on the security front lately, you may be wondering what exactly makes us so certain Americans have nothing to worry about visiting Cancun in the near future, so here’s why:

Why Is Cancun Safe For Americans?

For starters, Cancun is and always has been, a low-risk destination for U.S. citizens.

It is classified as a Level 2 city by U.S. authorities, which means they do not discourage Americans from visiting, and instead, simply warn them on the necessary precautions that need taken when vacationing south of the border, which we’ll get to in a minute.

It is highly-surveilled, with CCTV and patrol units everywhere to be seen, particularly in the Hotel Zone, and even a Tourist Police––a battalion charged with the care of visitors––having been formed to ensure Americans, and every other guest, feels protected.

Back in 2022, we even reported extensively on how the U.S. issued an alert on kidnapping risks for the whole state of Quintana Roo––including Cancun––over a single individual who had been abducted, in unknown circumstances at the time.

For comparison purposes, can you imagine if there was ever a safety warning that applied to all and mentioned a similar, very specific incident that occurred sporadically in a big U.S. city like Atlanta, New York, or San Francisco, as if it were recurrent?

In that year, there was a single kidnap in the state.

Cancun Is Less Dangerous Than You Might Think

All of this to say that, based on how travel alerts are issued, government bodies seem to play it conservative in how they assess safety risks in Mexico, and you may agree or disagree with that, but it’s evident that, in reality, the risk of kidnapping in Cancun is minimal.

That’s just one newsworthy event: we can’t exactly tell you the last time we caught wind of shoot-outs where tourists got injured within Cancun’s Hotel Zone.

This should already be enough encouragement, but we’re glad to report the Caribbean hub is going even further:

As of this week, Ricardo Morales Santos, director of the Tourist Police, has confirmed they will be ramping up security in the Hotel Zone, with a total of 8 units, each with 7 to 8 officers, being deployed to the area to ensure crime levels stay low.

Gun violence affecting tourists may be uncommon… extortion and corruption, on the other hand, are more common.

Cancun Is Low-Risk, Yes, But…

We can’t tell you the number of times we’ve had reports of readers claiming they were pickpocketed, or fined after breaking poorly-defined traffic rules, particularly when renting cars locally.

These are all seriously inconvenient, and Santos has stated the main objective of the latest deployment is to keep extortion under check, as well as curb drug trafficking, a major concern in Quintana Roo, and ‘high-impact crimes’.

We can’t promise you corruption will decrease in response, but based on what we have seen for crime trends in Cancun, petty criminals may feel less emboldened to target tourists:

Down in Mexico, they call it the ‘cockroach effect‘, when criminals feel cornered by an increased presence of police, and jump to the next town where surveillance isn’t as strict yet.

Interestingly enough, locals in Cancun’s direct neighbor to the south, Playa Del Carmen, are concerned that, now that state authorities have made it very challenging, if not impossible, for lawbreakers to operate from Cancun’s Hotel Zone, they’ll be flocking there instead.

That’s a concern raised by the National Association of Regional Business Councils (Ancer), and it’s not exactly a good thing, by any means, but it only goes to show how actually effective Cancun has been in driving the zero-tolerance message home.

On top of the 8 new Hotel Zone units, Santos is adding 16 motorcycle units, to attend more efficiently to incidents taking place from kilometer zero to 20, in the event there are traffic jams along Kukulcan Boulevard.

The result is a much-safer Cancun, as Mara Lazama Espinosa, the Quintana Roo State Governor, has remarked herself.

The Bottomline

In short, Americans truly have no major concerns traveling to the Caribbean destination, other than keeping an eye on personal belongings in public spaces, notably highly-crowded ones, avoiding marginal districts tourists have no business visiting anyway, and keeping valuables in a hotel safe.

Crime can occur, for sure, like in any popular tourism hotspot, but it’s often restricted to nonviolent mugging and pickpocketing on public beaches––within resorts that straddle their own private beach, it’s very rare––and shopping zones.

Either way, the Hotel Zone and adjacent streets and leisure centers are incredibly safe, with police being promptly available to help if needed, and English being widely spoken, in the very least at a basic level.

So… ready to unwind by the seaside yet?

Vinicius Costa

Vini, our senior lead writer at Travel Off Path, has over 60+ countries under his belt (and currently weaving tales from Paris!), and a knack for turning off-the-beaten-path experiences into informative stories that will have you packing your bags.

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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.