There’s Never Been a Better Time to Visit Mexico

There’s never been a better time to visit Mexico.

I’ll keep saying that ‘til I’m blue in the face. So please, listen up so I can give it a rest.

The Mexican economy has been hard hit this year. Especially the tourism sector, which accounts for 8% of the country’s gross domestic product and is the third largest generator of foreign currency.

This has been a tough year for tourism anywhere in the world, thanks to the perilous global economic environment. And through no fault of its own, Mexico has been doubly punished, thanks to April’s flu outbreak and the weakness of the peso. It’s lost around 30% of its value against the dollar since August of 2008. Your dollar buys more in Mexico today than it has in more than 15 years.

There may never be a more affordable time to go to Mexico. (See, I said it again.)

And…both the Mexican government and local businesses are doing everything in their power to lure tourists back. There are deals to be had on everything from seashells to seaside villas.

Here are some travel deals I found just today:

In Zihuatanejo, where the rotten economy has forced a dozen restaurants to shut their doors for good in recent weeks, some eateries are offering 10% to 25% discounts.

Funjet is offering three-night all-inclusive vacations to Mexico, starting at $345 per person (without taxes and fees) for trips to Cancun this month. This price includes accommodations and round-trip airfare and varies by destination, departure city, travel dates, and availability. Travel is valid through December 15. See http://www.funjet.com/.

And these are some of the best cruise bargains ever, says one travel expert: a 7-night cruise for the price of a 3-night cruise. On Royal Caribbean's Mariner of the Seas, a Voyager-class megaship sailing out of Los Angeles to Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta, you’ll pay just $299 for an inside cabin, per person double occupancy. But you can get a veranda cabin for $479 per person.

Or you can opt for a 7-night cruise to Mexico on Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Star, also priced at just $299 per person for an inside cabin. (Oceanview cabins are $349 and balcony cabins are $499.) Any travel agent should be able to help you with these deals, but remember that the best way to catch a cruise bargain is to be date-flexible.

One of the very best deals around—especially if you live in Southern California—is being offered by the Rosarito Beach Hotel just across the border from San Diego. I’ve stayed here and this hotel (and its setting) is a treasure. Right now, you can stay in this legendary hotel (all the Hollywood stars from the 20s on have stayed here) for just $19.25! This is a weekend rate and there are some holiday restrictions, but wow! Find out more at http://www.rosaritobeachhotel.com/.

But maybe the best news for anyone planning to join us in Puerto Vallarta November 12-14 for the International Living Live & Invest in Mexico Seminar is the great airfare sale going on now. Mexicana Airlines http://www.mexicana.com/ is offering round-trip flights from Los Angeles to Puerto Vallarta for $193 and from San Francisco for $230. (From Dallas you’ll pay just $275.) American Airlines, too, is offering a fare sale to Puerto Vallarta. From most destinations in the U.S. you’ll pay less than $300 to fly round-trip to Puerto Vallarta. See http://www.aa.com/ for details. (Click on Fare Sales & Special Offers.)

Keep in mind that most of these travel deals have to be acted on immediately. So if you’re interested in going to Mexico (and I’ll say it again: there is no better time than now) then act now.

And it isn’t just travel deals you’ll find in Mexico. If you’ve ever thought about Mexico as a retirement or escape destination, there has never been a better time in your lifetime to check it out.

Remember: No matter where you travel these days, always ask (especially hotels) for a discount. Bargaining is completely acceptable these days—even expected—so don't be afraid to ask everyone, from car rental companies to tour operators, if they can cut you a deal. They might say no, but if you don't ask, you'll never know!

To read more IL articles about Mexico, see:

San Cristobal: Mexico's Colonial Gem at Bargain Prices