Despite strong competition, both in the Caribbean world and beyond, Cancun remains the number one beach resort for Americans going abroad this summer.
Having welcomed more than 30 million guests last year, it continues to eclipse all of its fellow competing sunny spots, such as Punta Cana and Jamaica.
In an attempt to assert what’s already an infallible popularity, the jewel of the Riviera Maya has continued to improve tourist infrastructure and services every passing year, to the point it is not simply a world-class destination, but one of the easiest to visit from the States:
Here are 4 reasons why:
More Low Cost Flight Options
Second only to Mexico City, Cancun International is the best-connected hub in the country, hosting at least 38 nonstop US flights as of December 2022.
For many Americans, Cancun is the main entry point into Mexico, and its high demand continues to foster both slot and fare wars between competing airlines.
Spirit has low-cost flights to Cancun starting from only US$79 one-way from select departure points, while Allegiant offers fares as cheap as US$102 from Fort Lauderdale.
One could argue Cancun is the cheapest ticket into the Mexican Caribbean for North Americans, with aa record number of flights operating between the Mayan city and numerous departure points in the United States and Canada, and plenty of all-inclusive vacation deals available.
Safety
One of the main concerns for Americans traveling outside the United States is security.
Seeing that a majority of destinations worldwide is either at Level 2 or 3 on the State Department’s Travel Advisory list, it may seem as if there are not enough safe spots to explore out there.
Regardless of the media frenzy, you should know Cancun wouldn’t be so hugely popular unless security was tight in tourist zones. Yes, it is a Level 2 destination, but so is France and the United Kingdom, and while crime has not been eradicated, much like in every major U.S. city, it is far from being rampant.
Yes, shootings can occur in peripheral zones, but gangs do not target tourists, and their activity is often restricted to suburban districts, where visitors do not routinely go.
This summer, state authorities are deploying drones to monitor the Hotel Zone from above, as well as reinforcing security personnel on the streets to drive down petty crime rates. As it is extremely safe, no other Caribbean city is easier to explore than Cancun.
Improved Transport Links
For years now, one of the main complaints of tourists arriving in Cancun has been how poor public transport infrastructure is.
Landing at Cancun Airport, other than being harassed as you walk through the Shark Tank – learn more here – you are extremely likely to be overcharged getting into an airport cab.
Sadly, public buses are not a viable option for many, as they lack the comfort, and usually do not drop you off at the doorstep of your hotel. Beginning in 2024, however, transport links will improve greatly.
Other than the usual cabs and Ubers, tourists looking to save a few dollars will be able to avoid rivate transfers altogether and hop on the Maya Train, which covers large swathes of the Yucatan Peninsula, calling at several tourist spots both within the Cancun municipality and the wider Riviera.
Additionally, roadwork currently being carried out along the Colosio Boulevard is set to reduce traffic jams. This includes the construction of a new bridge set to speed airport transfers, as reported by our sister website The Cancun Sun.
Both the infrastructure improvement, and the launch of the Maya Train, will make it easier for visitors to transfer between Cancun Airport and the city proper.
Hassle-Free Entry
Lastly, this year Cancun has simplified border procedures for American visitors, scrapping the dreaded customs form at arrival, and allowing them to breeze through the border by scanning their passports.
With the new e-Gates that have been put in place, U.S. and Canada passport holders are no longer expected to join a long line of travelers from the rest of the world waiting to get screened by a border agent.
There may be lines still, as Cancun is Mexico’s busiest coastal airport right now, but they are moving a lot faster now that North Americans are given priority.
As long as you carry a valid biometric American or Canadian passport, or a valid travel document issued by other low-risk countries, you are eligible to use the e-Gate and avoid the usual scrutiny at the border. International travel doesn’t get any smoother than this – certainly not in the Caribbean region.
Tourists are normally granted a 6-month stay entering Mexico at any crossing points, including Cancun Airport.
Heading to Cancun this summer? Make sure you read on about the Riviera Maya and all the latest developments to stay on the loop ahead of your beach holidays.
