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Despite strong competition, both in the Caribbean world and beyond, Cancun is still the number one resort for Americans going abroad this summer.
Having welcomed more than 30 million guests last year, it continues to dwarf all other competing sunny spots like Punta Cana and Jamaica.
In an attempt to assert what is already unerring popularity, the jewel of the Riviera Maya has continued to improve its infrastructure and tourist services with each passing year, to the point that it is not simply a world-class destination, but one of the Easiest to visit from the States:
Are here 4 reasons why:
More low-cost flight options
Second only to Mexico City, Cancun International is the best-connected hub in the country, with at least 38 nonstop flights in the US as of December 2022.
For many Americans, Cancun is the main entry point into Mexico, and its high demand continues to fuel fare and slot wars between competing airlines.
Spirit has low-cost flights to Cancun starting at just $79 one-way from select departure points, while Allegiant offers fares as low as $102 from Fort Lauderdale.
one could argue Cancun is the cheapest ticket to the Mexican Caribbean for North Americans, with a record number of flights operating between the Mayan city and numerous departure points in the United States and Canada, and many all-inclusive vacation deals available.
Security
One of the main concerns for Americans traveling outside the United States is security.
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Seeing as how most destinations around the world are listed as Tier 2 or 3 on the State Department’s travel advisory list, it may seem like there aren’t enough safe places to explore.
Regardless of the media frenzy, you should know that Cancun wouldn’t be as popular unless security was tight in tourist areas. Yes, it’s a Tier 2 destination, but so are France and the UKand while crime hasn’t been eradicated, as in all major US cities, it is far from rampant.
Yes, shootings can occur in outlying areas, but gangs don’t target tourists and their activity is often restricted to suburban districts, where visitors don’t usually go.
This summer, state authorities are deploying drones to monitor the Hotel Zone from above, as well as beefing up security personnel on the streets to reduce petty crime rates. As it is extremely safe, no other city in the Caribbean is easier to explore that Cancun.
Improved transport links
For years, one of the main complaints of tourists who come to Cancun is the poor infrastructure of public transportation.
When landing at the Cancun airport, in addition to being harassed while walking around Shark Tank (learn more here), you’re very likely to be overcharged when getting into an airport taxi.
Unfortunately, public buses are not a viable option for many, as they lack convenience and often don’t drop you off at your hotel doorstep. From 2024however, transport links will be greatly improved.
In addition to the usual taxis and Ubers, tourists looking to save a few bucks can skip private transfers altogether and hop on the mayan trainwhich covers large areas of the Yucatan peninsula and stops at various tourist spots both within the municipality of Cancun and on the Riviera in general.
In addition, the road works currently underway along Colosio Boulevard are prepared to reduce traffic jams. This includes building a new bridge to speed up airport transfers, our sister website reports. The Sun of Cancun.
Both the improvement of the infrastructure and the start-up of the Mayan Train will facilitate the transfer of visitors between the Cancun Airport and the city itself.
hassle-free entry
Finally, this year Cancun has streamlined border formalities for US visitors, eliminating the dreaded customs form upon arrival and allowing them to breeze across the border scanning their passports.
With the new electronic gates that have been implemented, US and Canadian passport holders are no longer expected to join a long line of travelers from the rest of the world waiting to be screened by a border agent.
There may still be lines as Cancun is the busiest coastal airport in Mexico right now, but they are moving a lot faster now that Americans are given priority.
As long as you have a valid US or Canadian biometric passport, or a valid travel document issued by other low-risk countries, you can use e-Gate and avoid the usual scrutiny at the border. International travel doesn’t get any easier than this – certainly not in the Caribbean region.
Tourists are normally granted a 6-month stay upon entering Mexico at any crossing point, including the Cancun airport.
Are you going to Cancun this summer? Be sure to read up on the Riviera Maya and the latest developments to stay informed before your beach vacation.
traveler alert: Don’t forget travel insurance for your next trip!
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
