Growing up in Southern California, our annual family trips to Puerto Vallarta provided opportunities to experience Mexico’s food, music, people and culture firsthand. During college, I spent many weekends in Rosarito with friends, eating grilled lobster washed down with ice-cold Coronas. Since then, I’ve visited Punta Mita, Cancun, Riviera Maya, Mayakoba and, most recently, Costalegre — all destinations that are easily accessible from the Western United States.
The ease of traveling to Mexico from the U.S. West has always been a big plus for travelers who would rather spend their time in a destination than getting there. And while some clients have the luxury of a longer vacation, travel advisors often find that the availability of nonstop flights from a variety of West Coast cities also makes it possible for them to enjoy shorter stays, especially in particularly close Mexico destinations, such as Los Cabos.
Rodrigo Esponda, managing director of the Los Cabos Tourism Board, notes that Los Cabos offers both a wide variety of experiences and convenient connectivity from the Western U.S., making it “perfect for a weekend getaway.”
And Janel Carnero, a travel advisor with Embark Beyond, adds that Mexico’s easy access makes it a standout for clients.
In a few short hours, clients from the West can be enjoying a cocktail on a white-sand beach, trekking through the jungle to explore ancient Maya temples or immersing themselves in local culture.
“In a few short hours, clients from the West can be enjoying a cocktail on a white-sand beach, trekking through the jungle to explore ancient Maya temples or immersing themselves in local culture,” she said. “It doesn’t matter if it’s a solo trip, a family vacation, a honeymoon, a girls’ getaway or a company retreat — there’s a quick nonstop flight. And who doesn’t love that?”
Puerto Vallarta is always popular for beach-goers.
Credit: 2024 miguelnaranjomx/stock.adobe.comAbundant Opportunities
Ease of travel isn’t the only appeal of a Mexico vacation. The country’s wide variety of possible pursuits also creates opportunities for clients who have already visited Mexico to do so again — and hopefully discover something new.
“I have clients who have done trips to Riviera Maya or Cancun, and are looking for something different,” said Kendra Wagner, founder of Kendra Wagner Travel. “They want unique opportunities focused on cultural immersion, local connections and authentic food experiences like private cooking classes.”
For those clients — as well as new travelers to Mexico — Wagner finds that suggesting a variety of daily activities provides an understanding of everything there is to do, and may even introduce travelers to something they never knew existed.
“When we focus on tailor-made itineraries, clients’ eyes are opened to places and experiences they never would have considered,” she said. “This is one of the biggest reasons I advocate for clients to get off property when in Mexico. Participating in cultural activities and connecting with locals allows them to see the country from a different perspective.”
Archeological sites offer a look at local history and culture.
Credit: 2024 takawildcats/stock.adobe.comShe’s also seen clients spend part of their vacations in lesser-known areas outside of more commonly visited places such as Riviera Maya, Cancun, Los Cabos or Mexico City.
“Doing a trip to Los Cabos but then spending a couple days in Todos Santos is more intriguing to clients now than in 2019,” Wagner explained. “Travelers also realize they can go to the same destination but do a completely different trip. That’s something I love about Mexico; the options are endless.”
One relatively new “outside the box” recommendation is Naviva, a Four Seasons Resort. The all-inclusive, adults-only luxury tented resort neighbors the brand’s Punta Mita property and is just 45 minutes from Puerto Vallarta International Airport — and even clients who’ve visited Punta Mita have never experienced it like this.
“Naviva [reinforces] everything our guests love about this destination while offering an entirely new experience,” said Rainer Stampfer, president of global operations for hotels and resorts at Four Seasons. “This exceptional project is a testament to our dedication to innovating the guest experience and creating unique concepts … that meet guest needs in meaningful, personalized ways.”
Naviva, a Four Seasons Resort, offers a luxury tented experience.
Credit: 2024 Four Seasons Hotels and ResortsLos Cabos is also a preferred destination for luxury travelers, with “more high-end rooms per square foot than anywhere else in Mexico,” according to Esponda. And even more are being added. Recent openings in 2024 and upcoming 2025 debuts include Todos Santos Boutique Hotel, Four Seasons Resort and Residences Cabo San Lucas at Cabo Del Sol, Park Hyatt Los Cabos at Cabo Del Sol, a Soho House property and an upcoming St. Regis resort.
Bringing the Value
Another motivating factor for clients to choose Mexico over other destinations? The value of a vacation there is often too good to pass up.
“The value is absolutely appealing,” Carnero said. “[The same] budget might get clients flights and hotels in Europe, but in Mexico that can get them … their whole trip, depending on the resort, of course. While there are great destinations in Europe, Mexico lays the claim for convenience and cost.”
In addition to being more affordable than Europe — especially in the current climate, with the region seeing ongoing sky-high demand and accordingly high airfares and in-destination pricing — Wagner notes that Mexico’s prices are also much lower than many Caribbean islands. This makes it possible for clients to find reasonably priced accommodations while still having access to four- and five-star experiences, whether that’s an all-inclusive hotel or a boutique property.
“Mexico has something to offer every type of traveler,” Esponda said. “From wellness and gastronomy to culture and adventure, the country can be anything you make it and appeals to a wide array of customers.”
