Mexico is the number one beach hotspot for Americans during the bleak winter months, and while options are varied, with carriers connecting every single major Stateside hub to coastal destinations South of the border, it’s two that are leading booking trends.
Both Cancun and Los Cabos are experiencing a massive surge in booking, registering winter-like figures as early as October. It’s still only fall, but some areas are seeing occupancy rates higher than 70%, and experts have a warning for you.
If you’re planning on visiting one of these hugely popular coastal resorts, the time for booking is now before it’s too late:
Cancun And Cabo Will Be Packed This Winter
Winter is arguably the best time to visit both Cancun and Cabo, as in the former, sargassum will already have subsided though temperatures remain exceedingly warm, and in the latter, humidity does not reach overwhelming levels.
It is perceived as the high season for travel in Mexico, when occupancy across resort zones rises dramatically, beginning in December, and beaches get jam-packed with beach lovers looking for a sunny break.
This is really no surprise, but this year, these two highly sought-after destinations could see an even higher number of bookings or even risk selling out way before the season starts. As reported by the Cabo Sun, Los Cabos could see occupancy rates higher than 70% until December.
Cancun does not lag behind, either, with the Cancun Sun reporting occupancy of 66.8% this season, indicating the resort zone and surrounding Mayan Riviera towns could reach over 80% ahead of the official start of the season.
This may be great news for hoteliers, but the average tourist has reasons to be concerned.
Why You Should Be Worried
First of all, tourism in Cancun and Cabo is rising to unprecedented heights now that more flight routes have opened, and foreigners – particularly Americans – are once again flocking into their pristine Caribbean and Pacific coastlines, respectively, for a relaxing getaway.
They are currently Mexico’s busiest coastal hubs, hosting on average 30 and 7 million visitors yearly each, and their fame can be attributed to a renowned hospitality industry and the luxurious amenities they boast.
When occupancy rates start touching the 70% threshold in October, however, several weeks ahead of the peak season, potential visitors who have yet to make their reservation can start worrying, as resorts are filling up much faster.
It is unlikely Cancun – or Cabo, for that matter – will sell out completely throughout winter, as there are far too many properties listed, and more keep being built, but the main issue here is the availability of quality accommodation and fluctuating prices.
Why Are Cancun And Cabo So Popular?
When flying to Cancun, vacationers are likely to favor a five-star retreat in a tried-and-true hospitality giant, such as the Hyatt, Hilton, or JW Marriott, as they are associated with the quintessential Mexican Caribbean experience:
That of glitzy hotel towers with 24-hour catering, straddling the pristine beachfront, and with lagoon-style, crystal-clear pools to help you beat the Mexican heat. Unfortunately, there are only so many of those, and room availability is going down fast.
As a consequence, prices are increasing too.
The lower the availability and the higher the demand, the higher the rates.
In places like Cabo, overnights already average US$600 in ordinary times, and there’s simply no way of telling how much more expensive they will be in months to come.
Unless you’re taking your chances with an uncertified Airbnb or a two-star hotel with less-than-stellar amenities away from the glamorous Hotel Zone in Cancun or the trendy San Jose del Cabo, you should get that wallet out now before prices shoot up.
Or worse, landmark resorts are fully sold out, and you’re left with what’s best described as disappointing alternatives.
All-inclusive stays are also your best bet at having a truly satisfying experience in Mexico, as consumer prices in touristy zones have increased dramatically, and you are unlikely to find the same level of comfort and world-class service by waiting too long.
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