If you're dreaming of an epic getaway without the headache of planning, you've hit the jackpot!
I know planning the perfect vacation can sometimes feel overwhelming. No worries, I've been there, done that, and I've got your back!
As a digital nomad who's spent three months exploring Mexico, especially the Caribbean, I've learned a thing or two (or three) about making travel plans.
Join me as we delve into everything you need to know about planning your trip to Cancun, from transportation, to accommodation and essential documents. So grab your coffee and let's start!
BEST TIME TO VISIT
Deciding the perfect time to visit Mexico depends on what you'd like to do there. Are you seeking sunny days, fewer tourists, or festival seasons? Let's tailor your Mexican adventure to your preferences:
Dreaming of sunny skies and endless beach days? Mexico's dry season starts from December to April, with warm temperatures and minimal rainfall. November, and May are also excellent choices, offering pleasant weather with fewer crowds, making it easier to soak up the sun in coastal destinations like Cancun.
Budget-Friendly Travel: For those who want to save on travel expenses, the rainy season, from May to September, offers lower prices on accommodations and activities. Plus, with fewer tourists crowding the hotspots, you'll have more room to explore the sights.
Festivals and Cultural Celebrations: February marks the grand Carnival celebration, a lively event with five days filled with parades. In Cancun, carnival it’s a big deal with exciting atmosphere for vacationers and locals.
Another standout festival is Dia de los Muertos, also known as Day of the Dead, celebrated on November 1 and 2. This festival serves as a bridge between the living and dead family members. The Yucatan region adds its own touch by integrating the Mayan tradition of 'Hanal Pixán' or 'Food for the Souls,' featuring regional foods and tequila offerings to their dead.
FLIGHT COST
We booked our tickets almost six months before our trip, securing round-trip flights from Munich to Cancun for 520 euros. With a layover in Atlanta, our total travel time clocked in around 9 hours and 20 minutes from Munich to Atlanta, plus an additional 2 hours and 50 minutes from Atlanta to Cancun. We arrived in the beginning of February, and that's how the adventure started in the beautiful Cancun.
DELTA AIRLINES EXPERIENCE
Our flight may have been in economy class, but let me tell you, it was anything but basic! We were totally blown away by all the extra goodies the airline had for us.
Along with the delicious meal options (salad, ravioli, ice cream) and endless snacks and drinks (could choose from beverage, to wine etc.), they even provided us with blankets, pillows, headphones, and earplugs to make our journey super cozy. Plus, each seat came with its own screen, loaded up with movies, TV shows, games, and even Spotify. It was seriously the perfect start to our Cancun adventure, and we couldn't have asked for a smoother trip.
ESSENTIAL TRAVEL DOCUMENTS AND VACCINATIONS
Before your trip, it's crucial to ensure you have all the necessary travel documents and vaccinations in order. Here's what you need to know:
Passport Requirements: As European citizens staying in Mexico for less than 180 days, we were required to have a valid passport and our flight tickets. Nevertheless, it's advisable to verify the entry requirements for your nationality, as additional documents may be necessary.
ESTA for Transit Through the USA: If you have a layover in the United States, such as our trip with a stop in Atlanta, you need to apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). ESTA allows citizens of eligible countries to travel to the United States for tourism, business, or transit purposes without obtaining a visa. You can apply for ESTA online through the official website (https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov). The cost is 21 American Dollars. Be sure to apply for ESTA well in advance of your trip to ensure approval before your departure. In our case it took only a few hours to get approved. But be sure that you do it in time to avoid headaches.
Vaccinations: While we didn’t require any additional vaccinations for our trip to Mexico, our healthcare provider recommended getting vaccinated against hepatitis A and B as a precautionary measure. Though vaccinations aren't mandatory for entry into Mexico, it's essential to consult with your doctor, to stay updated on routine vaccinations recommended for travel. These vaccinations can help protect you from common travel-related illnesses and ensure a safe trip.
IMPORTANCE OF HEALTH INSURANCE
Additionally, having travel insurance is crucial, especially for extended stays abroad like ours. After careful consideration, I applied for the Care Discover plan with Care Concept Insurance Company, a reputable German insurance provider. (https://www.care-concept.de/krankenversicherung/care_discover/auslandsversicherung_worldwide_avb_eng.php?navilang=eng).
During our research, we received valuable advice from experts: it's advisable to choose insurance from the country where your journey begins. Why? Well, in the unfortunate event of needing to claim insurance benefits, one of the essential documents required is your flight tickets, which typically should begin and end in the same country as your insurance provider. Our trip started and ended in Germany, so I selected a German insurance provider for international coverage.
Considering this, and knowing that my boyfriend has had this insurance for many years, successfully using it twice during his travels in Europe, I felt confident in selecting the same insurance provider. This insurance plan offers comprehensive coverage for medical emergencies, including hospital visits and medications, providing peace of mind in case of health issues during your trip.
Furthermore, I paid 102.64 euros for 71 days of coverage, ensuring that we were protected throughout our journey.
ENSURE YOU HAVE CASH BEFORE YOUR MEXICO TRIP
Ensuring you have enough cash on hand is essential for a smooth entrance into the country and to facilitate your initial transactions in Cancun as many shops, taxis, and other services accept cash only.
We recommend having some Mexican pesos available upon your arrival. If, for instance, you arrive at night, as we did, having cash on hand becomes even more important.
While there are currency exchange shops in Cancun where you can convert your money, having Mexican pesos before you arrive can save you time and hassle. One convenient option we used is ordering Mexican pesos online from Reisebank, a trusted currency exchange service. Reisebank offered fair exchange rates, and for a delivery cost of 8 euros, we had the pesos sent to us by post before our trip in 3 working days. This allowed us to arrive in Cancun fully prepared with local currency.
ACCOMMODATION
When planning your stay in Cancun, prioritizing safety is key. Opting for the right accommodation can significantly enhance your sense of security during your visit. If you're looking for detailed advice on where to stay in Cancun, including safety tips and recommendations for the best neighborhoods, be sure to check out my comprehensive blog post about it.
TRANSPORTATION FROM THE AIRPORT TO YOUR ACCOMMODATION
Arranging transportation from the airport is crucial for a smooth start to your trip, especially considering the potential for scams and overcharging by local taxi drivers from the airport.
During our research, we came across a travel influencer who used a company named Nacho Tours for transportation. We booked our ride via WhatsApp at +529982311398, and it turned out to be a fantastic choice. The driver was polite, and he safely took us to our accommodation. Having arranged the transportation beforehand, we knew exactly how much we would be charged, allowing us to be prepared with the cash.
Another option worth considering is booking a bus with ADO from the airport to Cancun center here: https://www.ado.com.mx/. This option offers convenience and affordability, costing only 130 Mexican pesos and taking approximately 45 minutes.
Whether you choose a private transfer service or public transportation like the ADO bus, planning ahead will save you time, money, and stress.
LOCAL SIM CARDS
When you're in Cancun, buying a local SIM card can be super handy, especially if you're from Europe. Roaming charges can be sky-high otherwise!
You can easily find SIM cards at various locations throughout the city, including internet stores, supermarkets like OXXO, Walmart and specialty stores in the city center that focus on telecommunications.
During our trip, we purchased a SIM card from an internet shop and we bought a Telcel card, one of the top telecommunications companies in Mexico. Telcel offers a range of plans for different needs, including calls, texts, and data. We chose a plan that cost 200 pesos which provided 3,5 GB of data for 30 days, sufficient for approximately 25-30 days of usage.
It's important to note that with this plan, we only had internet access and were unable to make calls or send texts. However, Telcel offers different plans with varying features, allowing travelers to choose the option that best suits their communication needs.
If you run out of data, don't worry. You can recharge your plan at various locations across Cancun. Just visit a store, provide your phone number or SIM card details, and choose the amount you want to top up.
THATS ALL FOR NOW!
I'm super excited about this blog, and there's plenty more to come soon. Any questions or thoughts to share? Let me know in the comments! And don't forget to subscribe for more travel tips and inspiration.
Cheers,
Savvina
XOXO