Mexico holidays pack a lot into one long-haul trip. On the Caribbean coast, you’ve got the white-sand beaches of Riviera Maya and Cancun, while Puerto Vallarta sits on Mexico’s Pacific coast. All Inclusive resorts are a big part of a trip here, with hotels ranging from family resorts to five-star stays. And if winter sun is the priority, the dry season from November to April is a great time to go. With cenotes, Mayan ruins and towns like Valladolid beyond the resorts, holidays to Mexico can be as much about getting out and exploring as switching off. See more long-haul holidays.
Why choose Mexico for your holiday?
Mexico holidays can take you to two very different coastlines. Riviera Maya and Cancun place you right by the Caribbean Sea, while Puerto Vallarta looks out over the Pacific. From November to April, the dry season brings warm weather and less rain, giving you more chance to enjoy a day trip beyond the beach. Swim in a cenote, walk the clifftop Mayan ruins at Tulum or head inland to Chichén Itzá. Back at the resort, five-star All Inclusive hotels can offer good value, with most meals, drinks and activities covered up front. You can pick the coast that appeals most without missing out on the food, history and culture you came to Mexico for.
Mexico Holidays 2026 | More Travel Guides
Want to explore more of Mexico? Don't miss these travel guides from our destination experts: Playa del Carmen | Cancun | Riviera Maya | Playacar | Playa Mujeres | Puerto Vallarta
Best places to stay in Mexico
Cancun
Cancun holidays are a natural pick if you want a lot happening close to your hotel. The Hotel Zone runs between the Caribbean Sea and Nichupté Lagoon, with hotels, restaurants, shops and nightlife along the strip. Spend the day on the beach, head to La Isla for dinner and shopping, or stay put at an All Inclusive resort. Families have lots of hotels here too. The Hotel Zone is typically 20–30 minutes from Cancun Airport, and ferries run from Cancun to Isla Mujeres if you want a day away from the strip.
Riviera Maya
Riviera Maya holidays stretch south from Cancun along Mexico’s Caribbean coast, with popular spots like Playa del Carmen and Puerto Morelos also worth checking out. Playa del Carmen holidays come with the beach, but you can also walk into town for dinner or an evening on Fifth Avenue. Puerto Morelos is smaller and more low-key, with fishing boats on the beach and snorkelling trips to the reef. From Cancun Airport, Puerto Morelos takes about 25 minutes and Playa del Carmen is roughly an hour.
Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta holidays feel different from Mexico’s Caribbean resorts. You’re on the Pacific coast here, with a proper city to dip into when you fancy leaving the hotel. Walk the Malecón in the evening, stop somewhere for tacos or seafood, then carry on into the cobbled streets of the old town. Hotels and beaches stretch north and south of the centre, so you can stay close to the action or further out. Transfer times vary – around 15 minutes if you're staying near the Hotel Zone or Marina Vallarta, up to 45 minutes further along the coast toward Nuevo Vallarta.
Best hotels in Mexico
Mexico’s hotel scene changes quite a bit depending on where you are. Cancun has larger resorts with pools, restaurants and entertainment on site, while Riviera Maya has beachfront All Inclusive hotels spread along the Caribbean coast. Over in Puerto Vallarta, hotels sit on Mexico’s Pacific coast, ranging from smaller properties to full-scale resorts. Think about how much time you’ll spend at the hotel, the board basis you want and what you’d like within walking distance.
Best family hotels in Mexico
Travelling with little ones? Look for family rooms, kids’ clubs, children’s pools and several places to eat, which matter more the longer you’re staying. All Inclusive can take care of meals and drinks at the hotel, and a shorter transfer or direct beach access can make things easier when you’ve got kids with you. Popular family hotels in Mexico include Sandos Caracol Nature Resort & Water Park in Riviera Maya, and Moon Palace Cancun – both All Inclusive, both built with kids in mind.
Family holidays to Mexico
Family holidays to Mexico often centre on All Inclusive resorts, where pools, kids’ clubs and activities keep your crew busy without much daily planning.. In Cancun and Riviera Maya, family resorts can mean beachfront locations, several pools, waterparks and rooms designed for more than two. Most Thomas Cook customers stay in Mexico for 7–14 nights. That gives families time for resort days, snorkelling trips and a day at Xcaret without trying to cram everything into one week.
Mexico holiday types: All Inclusive & luxury
Mexico All Inclusive holidays typically cover breakfast, lunch and dinner, with local drinks and snacks included too. Some hotels add entertainment and activities, so check what’s covered when you book. In Cancun and Riviera Maya, many resorts have several restaurants and pools, plus spas and sports facilities. Five-star stays often thrown in things like swim-up rooms, à la carte dining, adults-only areas and beachfront settings. Families can keep meals and activities under one roof, while couples might prefer quieter pools, spa time and restaurants made for long dinners rather than rushing back for the kids’ disco.
Best time to visit Mexico
November to April is Mexico’s dry season, with warm days and less rain – the perfect combo when it’s cold and grey back home. June to November is wetter, with a risk of hurricanes on the Caribbean side. Winter is a busy time for Mexico holidays, so booking in autumn can mean more resorts and room types are still available. Travelling during hurricane season? Keep an eye on the forecast and check the latest travel advice before you go.
