How 'Bout Mexico???

We often have folks walk into the office having no idea about where to go or what to do about a vacation.....they want some ideas. So..after a few questions about their intent and expectations, most of the time we start with a suggestion about the all-inclusive vacations offered in most of the Mexico resorts.

Those locations are safe, with great on-site activities available, really good meals that are included, and if one wants an off site excursion like swim with the dolphins, Mayan ruins, golf, jungle tour, snorkeling tour, Xcaret Park, or shopping, there will be a tour desk at the hotel that will make all those arrangements including transfers for you.

This summer we have couples and families going to the all-inclusive resorts in Cancun, the Mayan Riviera just south of Cancun, Cozumel, Puerto Vallarta, and Los Cabos. It is so convenient....just a 2 hour and 15 minute flight from DFW; leave in the morning and you're on the beach in the afternoon!! A very important reminder to them is that a passport is necessary if you are flying out of the United States and back. Then they often ask about an all-inclusive vacation here in the states, but as far as we know, none exists.

The Mexico Tourism Board recently announced a record-breaking 35 million visitors traveled to that country in 2016. Tourism spending by international visitors grew at a 10.4% clip compared to the year before. They have put out a goal of 50 million international visitors by 2021, so that board is going to be very busy in the next four years. Of course, they market to other countries beside the United States. Lots of European visitors, especially from Germany and Scandinavian countries, as well as those from China and Japan are being touched.

One of the important findings from those visitors interviewed was that 94% of the visitors reported an experience that “exceeded their expectations” and 86% said they would “like to come back again” in the next 6 months. I think they might have interviewed some of our clients, because that is the response we receive whenever we contact our friends about their experience.

As we have mentioned in the past, and this is for every anticipation of a trip of any kind, one of the most important aspects of planning a trip, beside selecting an experienced travel agent, is to make those plans 6-8 months in advance. That is when you will get the best price, plus have the best availability at those popular resorts. Additionally, the lowest air seats will be available at that time.

Usually about January, the tour operators will announce the charter air programs from DFW, and when they do that, generally the major carriers will also do their best to compete with the charter air prices. So, if someone is interested in an all-inclusive family trip to Mexico next summer, that is a good time to start making preparation. And....another good feature with a tour operator we have been using for many years, Funjet Vacations, they have a “price guarantee” feature so that if you have made reservations and the price goes down, they will honor the reduced price. Heck of a deal!!!.....so you are not penalized for booking early. Sponsor of publication: InstaStories watcher - anonymous Stories saver for Instagram videos and photos

The experienced travel agents at The Travel Factory will be more than happy to give you the benefit of their experience and help you with any destination, especially the all-inclusive packages and cruises to Mexico. Call them at 698-1421 or toll-free 800-760-4040. Better still, visit us at 4150 Southwest Drive and let us have the pleasure of helping you manufacture the vacation of your dreams.