How do you decide on Mexico vs. Hawaii: budget, access, ease of travel, personal preferences, or is it something else?
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How do you decide on Mexico vs. Hawaii: budget, access, ease of travel, personal preferences, or is it something else?
Get Breaking Hawaii Travel News
I have never vacationed in Mexico. I have no doubt it has beautiful beaches, gracious people, cheap accommodations, and debatable medical resources (currently).
I live on Maui and I am disgusted by the irresponsible behavior of my fellow Mauians who lacked the discipline and common sense not to gather in large groups during Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years. My husband and I are both over 65 and have pre-existing conditions. Maui is surging. This island has limited resources compared to a Mainland town/small city of the same population. We cannot drive to the nearest large city for further treatment. We have not seen our large island family in person since last February.
So what may be “BS testing” to you may be lifesaving to me.
Generally speaking, most of us were happy when visitors could return with negative covid testing. It’s a hard fact our economy depends heavily on tourism. Maui’s people are hurting for jobs. But we won’t get those jobs back until the virus is under control.
So please kokua (help) and comply with current rules about what you must do to come here. Please show us your aloha. Do the pono (right, just) thing.
Aloha to all and mahalo nui (big thanks).
Thanks for asking. We enjoyed our usual 3-week vacation in Mazatlan, after foregoing the month of May in Hawaii. We took all precautions there, as we do in the states, and were pleasantly surprised to see greater diligence at stores, restaurants, resorts, the airport and hotels than in the states. We did some things differently, like not having housekeeping enter our unit daily, and always keeping a mask handy when on our walks, in case we encountered other people. I would not hesitate to travel to Mexico again, always taking full precautionary measures.
We have traveled once or twice a year to Kauai for 20 years and like everyone else had to cancel our trip last year. We also travel to Mexico once or twice every year. While a different experience, we find Mexico to be a great place to visit. Like anywhere, you have to be mindful of where you go. US cities can be much more dangerous than the resort areas we frequent in Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta and Cabo. In Mazatlan we found strict adherence to masks, temp checks and social distancing, and felt very safe. We’re heading to Puerto Vallarta next week and Cabo in March. Kauai’s loss is Mexico’s gain.
I am not interested in a Mexican vacation, however my daughter and her husband went with some friends to Cancun when the vacation that I had planned to Kauai for our large family group got cancelled due to Covid. Unfortunately for them, Hurricane Delta hit, and they were all moved to a shelter with 4,000 other people. It was miserable. They were there in the shelter for 3 days. They witnessed a gas stove blow up in a woman’s face, they only had 1 doctor for all those people (including the one with severe burns) and no vegan food for my daughter, so she went hungry. Shortly after they arrived back in the US, one of the members of their party was diagnosed with Covid. Luckily, my daughter and her husband were ok. I understand emergencies happen. But in a place prone to hurricanes, they should have done better. BTW, the storm only lasted 1 day – they had to stay in the shelter 3 days because the resort took all the tv’s out of all the rooms prior to the storm to prevent damage to them (they had Cat 5 glass in the windows) and didn’t want people returning to their rooms until the tv’s were back.
The WHO and CDC don’t want people to travel to Mexico because many towns and people are treating it like it really is…a normal flu season. Lack of sheep running around with germ muzzles around their face blows their whole fake science of social distancing and masks which do nothing to block virus unless your sick to the point of sneezing or coughing out spit droplets. If you come to Mexico you will find people enjoying the beaches and life…they hate that. They revealed as liars
we just went to Cabo San Lucas, beautiful beaches and hotels at 1/4th of $ Hawaii. were now home and healthy, same as before we went. we did not see any people that were dead or sick, as the american press sends out every day.
I’ve seen a few people here talking about going to Florida instead. Really? Where the governor still believes the virus is a hoax and refuses to mandate masks? I’d take Mexico anytime.
We canceled two trips to Hawaii. Now I’m going to Cabo.
Mexico?? Oh hell no.
As a life long Quarter Horse breeder and showman, there were times when I would go to Mexico several times a year. The artists I commissioned in Mexico made the most beautiful saddles, bridles, headstalls, bits, halters and reins you could imagine. All hand done leather, adorned with the most incredible sterling silver and gemstones. Amazing one-of-a-kind creations.
Then the day came that one of the team members went to pick up an order. He was driving his truck when a Mexican bus driver ran a stop and hit him broadside. My friend was accused of causing the accident. He was thrown in jail and told that he’d have to buy a new bus. After several months and lawyers later, he was freed to come back to the USA.
He was never the same and ended up completing suicide.
People started disappearing, drugs became more important than life, and I never went back again.
It’s only getting worse. Do check out the snipers on the buildings.
You’re foreigners in a foreign country.
Hawai’i is my home. We’re not foreigners out of Country.
Reading about all the people who can’t wait to come back to visit, makes me sick. I want my Ohana to be safe, and the same for my neighbors and friends.
Businesses/money can be saved and rebuilt. We’ve lost a lot of Ohana and friends to COVID-19. They’ll never be back. You can’t imagine how horrible watching someone go from a perfectly healthy person to suffering a long painful death, or even living with the side effects of the virus. The worst part is that they have to die alone, never being able to see or hold loved ones again for fear of transmitting the virus.
So. People need to stop and think of others!!! COVID-19 is a real killer.
Stop travelling until we get a handle on this monster. No, it’s NOT a flu. It’s nothing we’ve ever seen.
Mahalo guys at Beat of Hawai’i. My mind is doing somersaults, my cardio is up, and you’ve given me a place to let others know how my experience might be important to others.
Aloha 🌺
Hi Pam.
Thanks! We have stories to share…
Aloha.
I do not feel safe anywhere in Mexico for several reason. Number one, if you get sick in Mexico, forget about it. It’s a huge problem. Number two, the very last time I was there with friends the federallies pulled up. Put us in the back of their Police car and demanded $50 U.S Dollars from each of us or we were all going to jail. Once we paid them, we were free to go. They can pretty much do whatever they want to you and you have no recourse. No thanks.
Movie stars and entertainers are all flocking to Mexico and the Caribbean. Nobody is going to Hawaii. NPR as a source?
No comparison between the two destinations….want to go with fear of kidnapping and dysentry…go to the one that is not part of our USA…since 1985 i was warned about going south of the border. Made 35 trips to HNL instead. Though there is a significant increase in homeless and now economic hardships, no question when tbe dust of crazy reversals in policy as to travel rules, Hawaii will win as a unique paradise among the tropics. Unless it decides to not revive Aloha.
In mid-December, our family travelled to Maui for most of the reasons why people are frustrated trying to get there. I personally feel that the 72 hour testing requirement and the mandate to wear face masks is the least we can do to help minimize the spread of this pandemic. Knowing that Mexico is one of the countries who is testing the least, and their dismissal on mask wearing/social distancing, should be a huge red flag for anyone wanting to go to that country.
Our trip to Maui was incredible as well. We stayed at the Kea Lani who treated us like royalty. Upon check in, they required us to show our electronic negative results and the resort mandated mask wearing in all public places. Each time we went around the resort, everyone seemed to be complying with the rules. The staff couldn’t have been any nicer and we felt completely safe.
Sure, getting to Mexico is very easy. Getting the virus in Mexico is even easier.
I don’t do Mexico anymore, have seen too much crap go down once outside the resort. You say why leave the resort? Because I like to see stuff other than a made-up environment
We will not travel to Mexico for several reasons.
We have been traveling to Kauai annually for many years but made the very difficult decision to cancel our January 2021 trip due to the ever changing rules and the added expense of Quarantine and testing again. The many unknowns and added stress along with the additional cost were the determining factors.
Thank you for everything you do and have given during all of this. It has been my go to for the most up to date information.
Maholo.
Hi Darla.
Thank you. We appreciate your comments and hope you can return to Kauai again soon.
Aloha.
The Western Coast of MX and the Eastern Coast of MX are like night and day. Our son honeymooned on the east Coast of MX in October – Maroma Beach and Isla Mujeres respectively, had a wonderful time, felt safe and said all protocols were followed.
No one got sick. Thankfully, they were not harmed in any way. We plan to vacation to MX later this year. Isla Mujeres or Grand Mayan near Playa del Carmen. We love the island and feel safe there. The Grand Mayan is pretty well self contained with lots of open air dining. Would prefer going back to Hawaii but have decided to wait until the ‘powers that be’ allow travel without masks and quarantine.
On the other hand, we wouldn’t feel as good about travel to the Western coast of MX.
We always buy a full coverage travel health policy whenever we travel outside the USA with zero out of pocket and a ‘bag and tag’ ‘fly body home’ feature. Morbid to think of, yes, but would save a bundle if anything did happen.
ALOHA and Adios :0)
We’re seriously considering a Mexico vacation for 2021 over Hawai’i. I’ve canceled too many trips to Hawai’i in 2020 and it still seems like it won’t be as enjoyable to visit as Mexico would be. We’ve had other people who own multiple properties on Hawai’i and they said Mexico was great compared to trying to get to the Islands right now. So we’re looking into it.
There’s no way I would vacation in Mexico, even before the pandemic. For many years Mexico has not been a safe place to travel for many reasons. I am a teacher of many students whose families have fled Mexico because it’s not safe. The fact that I have a Food Allergy makes it even worse because I would not trust having my health in the hands of others in that country, even at top resorts. I know many people happily travel there for their vacations but it’s not a place I will go.
I am going to neither Hawaii nor Mexico. I am just staying home until I get the vaccine. I love Hawaii, but I don’t want to get on an airplane. I applaud their quarantine!
Does quoting the WHO mean that we are now living in “opposite” world because “anything” those fools come out with has generally been crap! They were the ones that said early on that the China virus was no big deal but little did we know at the time just how in bed they are with China. Right now neither Mexico or Hawaii is an option, not because of me, but because of my partner and if she’s not going then I’m not going but I would be on a plane to Mexico in a heartbeat if she would go.
We have thought about going to Mexico since Cabo is a short plane ride and few restrictions but their continued problems with gangs etc are what has kept us away for several years now. Would absolutely love to return to Hawaii but won’t consider it until they can decide the who, what and where of their travel rules and not discriminate against me if I opt to not get the vaccine. Testimg I am fine with. Have to say going back to Tahiti looks easier than coming to HI Of course if you listen to CA governor he doesn’t want anyone traveling more than 120 miles from their homes and is discouraging both people from other states and countries from coming to CA. Really appreciate all the info I get from the updates.
Hi Kym.
Thanks for that input on Mexico and Hawaii travel and for your other comments.
Aloha.
We visited Puerto Vallarta in October and found it a mixed bag in terms of safety. Our hotel took it seriously, with a temperature check every time we returned on site, and 100% masking and social distancing. Restaurants in town with a large tourist clientele were the same, and we felt safe there. However, public transportation was as crowded as ever, with at least 50% of riders maskless (and drivers with masks pulled down). Also it appeared that most people walking around town were not wearing masks. We did our best to avoid crowds and thankfully remained COVID free.
Monday we’re headed for the Big Island, with our negative test results in hand (Carbon Health was great – results in 19 hours!). I feel like Hawaii is much more on top of it and we’re looking forward to a relaxing week!
I have traveled to both Puerto Vallarta (March) and Cabo in 2020. The Cabo vacation was in November. Both locations are considered safe to travel. I can honestly say that before entering any building, resort, restaurant and supermarket our temperature was taken, masks required, as well as utilization of a hand sanitizer. In fact we had to go thru a spray booth with an overhead sanitizing mist covered our bodies before being allowed to enter the Pueblo Bonita Blanco Resort lobby. I too had a 30 day Maui vacation planned that had to be cancelled, scheduled for October 20 forward. It has been rescheduled now for late May 2021. I am still uncertain if I will go given all the issues encountered with Covid testing requirements that seem to change change week to week.
Mexico👍We love Hawaii but the hassle factor made the decision easy! No issues in Mexico for us and it was beautiful and a lot Cheaper! Adios until some sanity takes root in Hawaii ( not very confident tho)
See, that’s exactly why i wont go to mejico. they do wahtever they want!
Simply put, going to Mexico for vacation now simply to skirt restrictive pandemic protocols elsewhere is selfish, irresponsible and stupid. It’s like picking on an impoverished child, offering him food in return for delivering a “package”. He knows it’s probably no good, but he is hungry and wants to eat.
Defeating COVID, if everyone to chips in just a little, it is an easy war to win; but, if only a few chip in, it will be a long, effort that we may, or may not win. The second path is what we are on today, and it is a painful path. We play, we pay – all of us are on it together, for better or for worse.
We Live 7 Miles from The border on US side. Local News has historically reported and we and
Know firsthand hand that US citizens have few rights or recourse should things go wrong. That’s not the lovely people of the country but their laws and infrastructure. Sadly solutions can involve a lot of money. Have a car accident walk away from The car or you will be arrested no matter who’s At Fault. Medical especially right now kinda scary. So uncertain. We see the terrible conditions at the border. Please check your rights and remedies before you Leave the USA. You Might be surprised and uncomfortable. Again The people Are wonderful but…There are so Many great places
In the US why not visit Them? I’m Happy to Wait To go back To Hawaii as the magic there is Like nothing we have ever experienced.
I love Hawaii and usually go to Kauai or Kona every year. I had to pass in 2020 but am hoping to be able to go this year. Mexico has nothing on Hawaii. I will be back as soon as possible…..probably to Kona. Mahalo.
When we had to cancel our Maui vacation, my husband wanted to go to Cozumel instead. We live in Texas so it’s a short flight and pretty inexpensive. I refused to go. I’m sure many people went and did not get COVID, but if you do get sick in Mexico (COVID or anything else) you’ll be shocked at how different the hospitals are. They require you to pay first (for foreigners, sometimes it is $1000 just to be seen in the ER) and they don’t have the resources of American hospitals.
If you have emergency evacuation insurance, they only have to fly you to the closest US hospital. If that’s in El Paso or else near the border, those hospitals are overrun with COVID patients already.
I don’t get why people can’t understand that this is not the time to be traveling. It’s one vacation in potentially a lifetime of vacations. We decided to wait it out, get the vaccine, and then plan our next Hawaii vacation.
Thank you Nancy. It’s all
True. And don’t think any US
insurance works
There.
Hawaii has always been my dream vacation trip!! waiting too. Going to get vaccine, then go. Plus I’m still saving $$. I want everything to be open when I go. Plan is for 2022:)
I have travelled to both Hawaii and Mexico many times. Mexico is super convenient to my north Texas home, but Hawaii will always be my beach destination of choice. My husband and I were lucky enough to be married in Maui on 6/25/2019 and we have counted our blessings many times over the course of the pandemic. Not only did we get married in one of the most beautiful locations (Olowalu Plantation House) with the absolute best vendors, but 50 of our family and friends chose to build unforgettable vacations around our wedding date. None of us could have imagined it might be our last stress-free travel opportunity in quite a while.
I turn 40 on 1/31 and my mother offered to purchase deeply discounted airfare for my husband and me to return to Hawaii to celebrate my birthday. Typically, that would be an offer I would never refuse, but given my horrible asthma, I can’t say I’m mentally prepared for airline travel. Also, I feel like there are still some quarantine uncertainties since the rules seem to change so frequently. For now, I will have to be ok visiting Hawaii through memories and photos.
I am a long time reader and I don’t think I’ve ever commented, but I adore your blog for its tips and what seems to be un-filtered transparency. Mahalo!
Hi Kelli.
Thanks so much. And welcome!
Aloha.
Hi friends – I’m writing this from Mexico. We arrived nine days ago and are staying four months (yup, experienced “snowbirds”). We love both Hawaii and Mexico, and visit both frequently. Sadly, we canceled two trips to Hawaii in 2020. We decided to go through with our winter plans because of our situation. We drove our vehicle here rather than flying. We own our own RV as our lodging. We stay in a small town of approximately 2500 individuals. Plus, we take all the precautions here that we were at home. Primarily, we mask and avoid crowds. Our choices are keeping us safe (hopefully) since we can isolate here as easily as at home in the Sierra in California. Thanks for the opportunity to share my thoughts!
Stay safe all, Susan
Heck no to Mexico.
I will wait until I am vaccinated and then go to Hawaii. Mexico does not have the structure or resources to deal with the pandemic. It was already losing control of territory to the cartels. I support Hawaii’s plans to try to be safe.
We have a friend who now lives in Mexico full time and she’s very fearful about access to healthcare if she were to get Covid. That said, she says that mask compliance is widespread, so people do take it seriously.
We spent the month of December on Oahu and felt relieved to be in a place with such a low infection rate. Yes, testing before arriving was a pain (we did back-to-back tests over two days because we were so nervous about getting the results on time), but after we landed it turned into one of the best vacations we ever spent on Oahu. The dining choices were somewhat limited, but we got a great deal on a rental with a big kitchen and huge lanai so we ate in most nights and enjoyed the sunsets. Safe Hawaii over uncertain Mexico!!
aloha!
same experience here. we just did a week in maui over new years and the peace of mind that hawaii is the safest state to be in right now (per infection rate), and the fact that everybody on our plane tested recently ?(and was masked) was a secure feeling
i didnt miss the old days of traveling during flu season when we were the only couple on the plane wearing masks while other passengers are coughing and sneezing all over the place
None of the above, Aloha!
Following.
Mexico simply has no choice. They do not have the money to support unemployment for large numbers of their citizens for over a year.
I would not go to Mexico. I live in CAlifornia and have a co-worker from Mexico who has dual citizenship. He has all ready lost 2 aunts, an uncle, and a cousin to COVID and his brother’s whole family is sick. They have taken precautions, but there are so many that don’t. They do not have good general health care. It is not worth it right now.
Hawaii is much safer and more responsible with their policies. No comparison in my mind. I just went and had a great time. The pre-test was no problem and gave me some reassurance knowing that most on the plane had tested, as well.
Not worth the risk for potential brain damage going to Mexico.
As a native Californian Mexico was always a quick trip to beautiful beaches, resorts and I love the Mexican people. That said my husband and I decided it wasn’t safe to travel there because of the drug cartels influence and violence. We stopped going there over 20 years ago and have never looked back. We love Hawaii and feel welcomed and safe here. Hawaii will always be our go to place with or without restrictions. Everyone has there own reason to travel and Hawaii is number one on our list! It’s worth the wait! Aloha!
Hi Nani.
Thanks for your many comments. We both have similar stories and generally stopped travel to Mexico long ago. In 2019 we had the opportunity to do a day-long food tour of Tijuana with a private tour guide who was being featured on BBC. It was a great experience, and being with a group felt safe.
Aloha.
Totally agree. Hawaii is worth the wait. I just don’t feel physically safe in Mexico. I refuse to spend my money in a country that is unable to get crime under control.
We went to the Big Island in November amid the restrictions. It was not difficult to comply with the restrictions and we did wear our masks when around others. Have booked 3 months on the BI for 2022 and cannot wait to return.