If you’re just starting to plan for a spring break or summer vacation and are wondering about Mexico vs. Hawaii, read on. Many of you have commented on Mexico’s ease and low cost as a Hawaii vacation alternative and others say not. We’ve both traveled to Mexico innumerable times, albeit not during the pandemic. But many suggestions from you, and this week’s government advisories, got us thinking about whether it is a good alternative to Hawaii or not.
Clearly, both of these epic destinations feature natural beauty, spectacular beaches, and unique and vibrant cultures. What factors help you decide on Hawaii vs. Mexico: budget, access, ease of travel, personal preferences, or is it something else?
There are also definite pros and cons to both Hawaii and Mexico. First, there’s personal safety. We unquestionably feel safer in Hawaii. Mexico, on the other hand, offers a far more affordable vacation opportunity. Both have beautiful world-class beaches. such as eastern Mexico’s Riviera Maya and throughout Hawaii. And both feature incredible water activities. If hiking and walking are high on your list, Hawaii shines bright. Depending on where you are traveling from, there can be a substantial difference in travel times too.
What’s going on in Mexico as it relates to travelers as of February 2022.
First, the US Department of State, the CDC and the US Consulate are all warning about travel to Mexico. The reasons? First, “Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19 in Mexico.” And second, “Violent crime – such as homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery – is widespread and common in Mexico. The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens…”
The US Consulate General warned specifically about top Mexican vacation destinations following the murder of two Canadians at a luxury hotel at Playa Del Carmen, near Cancun. “In light of recent security incidents and criminal activity in popular tourist destinations including Cancun, Playa Del Carmen, and Tulum, U.S. citizens are reminded to exercise increased caution…”
Here are two opposing viewpoints from other readers to get started. Please read them and let us know where you stand on this fascinating topic.
Yes Mexico Vacation.
Commenter Neal said, “I love Hawaii. I own land there. But I’ve canceled 4 trips to Hawaii so far this year… because of the ridiculous quarantine. Instead, we have taken 2 trips to Cancun and the Yucatan peninsula. Hopped on a plane…no testing BS…a simple questionnaire that takes 2 minutes to do, and boom, we are in the beautiful Caribbean… So instead of spending Christmas in Hawaii, we will spend it in Costa Rica… Another country that has figured out the price we are paying to be “safe” really isn’t worth it.”
No Mexico Vacation.
Commenter Tom said: “Au Contraire… Yes, Mexico has fewer deaths than the US and has a significantly smaller population than the US (126M vs. 330M). Mexico is not safe. I have a very good friend, a prominent businessman whose family has lived in Mexico for their entire lives (generations), looking to move to the US because of concern for his family’s safety. Next time you’re in Cancun, look to the top of the hotels for the military snipers. I kid you not. There’s a reason why Mexico vacations are so cheap.”
Why Americans are choosing Mexico vs. Hawaii vacations: beautiful beaches, fewer rules, better value.
It is largely the spectacular beaches of Mexico that are seeing huge influxes of American tourists. Popular destinations include Los Cabos, the Riviera Maya area near Cancun, and the Pacific coast from Mazatlan to Puerto Vallarta and beyond. The rate of American visitors there may be at an all-time high as airlines have rushed to add flights to the most popular airports.
The inundation of American visitors to Mexico also correlates closely with their entry requirements, diametrically opposite of Hawaii’s. While Hawaii requires proof of vaccination or a somewhat more complicated negative COVID-19 test within 72-hours of mainland departure, Mexico does not require either. There is no requirement for vaccination, testing, or quarantine on arrival, though resorts may ask for health questionnaires to be completed.
Beat of Hawaii commenters have noted that temperature checks and reduced capacity were the rule in Mexico earlier in Covid. That was in restaurants, hotels, and stores. Let us know if that’s still the case.
Are you more inclined towards a Mexico vacation, or will you choose a Hawaii vacation this year?
Updated 2/1/22.
Hawaii hands down!
We stopped going to Mexico in the late 80’s because of the danger the drug cartel brought to Mexico. I love Mexico but the danger there isn’t worth the risk.
I’d go to Hawaii any time or the day. Being part Hawaiian and living on the mainland I would rather spend funds in Hawaii vs the corrupt Mexican government. I’m also one that likes to explore and would never feel comfortable doing that in Mexico!
I worked in Mexico City and during the Covid restrictions spent a number of weeks in Mexico City en route to Hawaii. Comparing the two makes mo sense to me. Hawaii is about the people and the culture. Mexico is equally about their culture and people. Both are fantastic but Mexico is not where I ho to relax. Mind you my Spanish is far better than my Hawaiian..,