Page 35 - The Magazine of AAA Ohio Auto Club – January 2022

Despite what you may hear in the media, Mexico is – and always has been – a hot tourist destination. With its picturesque
Caribbean or Pacific coastline, rich and inviting culture, and diverse resume of mouth-watering cuisine, this often-misunderstood North American country is worthy of topping any traveler’s bucket list. It’s an absolute must-visit for active travelers, families and newlyweds who crave adventure, relaxation and a taste of paradise.
So, where to begin? Let us unveil a few destination highlights along the coastline and introduce you to the sights, sounds and tastes of Mexican resort life.
CANCUN
It’s impossible to talk about the Mexican travel scene without bringing up the crowned jewel of nightlife entertainment and tropical beach getaways: Cancun. From stunning beaches, island hideaways and larger- than-life nightclubs to ancient ruins and groundwater sinkholes you can swim in, there’s no shortage of things to explore in this vibrant Caribbean city.
The resort scene here is out of this world and specially designed for tourists to be top-of-mind. If lounging poolside or with your feet burrowed in the warm sand
is your idea of paradise, then look no further. If active adventuring is more your style, enjoy a variety of fun resort activities such as parasailing, jet skiing and swimming with sea turtles and dolphins. In Cancun,
the possibilities are endless.
If lounging poolside or with your feet burrowed in the warm sand is your idea of paradise, then look no further.
PLAYA DEL CARMEN
Just 45 minutes down the coast from Cancun, you have the No. 1 destination in Mexico: Playa Del Carmen. Known for its white beaches, crystal-blue waters and hip, relaxing atmosphere, this former fishing village is ideal for travelers who crave a peaceful escape from all the “real-world” noise.
When you’re not busy taking a nap under the sun, take a stroll down the famous 5th Avenue, lined with shops, restaurants, bars and palm trees – a perfect place for souvenir shopping and people-watching. Right off the coast, you’ll also find the second-largest coral reef in the world: the Meso-American Barrier Reef. They don’t call Playa Del Carmen a top snorkeling and diving destination for nothing,
Similar to its more festive cousin up north, Playa Del Carmen also offers plenty of activities, from tours of the Riviera Maya and ancient Mayan ruins to jungle buggy adventures and rafting through the region’s underground rivers.
PUERTO VALLARTA
As the largest bay in Mexico and one of the friendliest destinations in the world, Puerto Vallarta is a must-visit for anybody who wants a fun, authentic Mexican experience. Enjoy a mile-long stroll along the iconic Malecón boardwalk, full of restaurants, bars, regional artwork, culture and endless entertainment.
As you can imagine, there are plenty of foodie and drink tours to go around here, as well as boat rides and snorkeling tours off the coast. If you’re craving
a hospitality-driven beach town adventure, Puerto Vallarta should be at the top of your list,
CABO SAN LUCAS
Referred to fondly as just “Cabo” or “Los Cabos,” Cabo San Lucas is a well-known vacation spot for spring
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Tono Balaguer / iStock Elena Elisseeva / iStock
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