Endless sunshine, breathtaking beaches, and inexpensive flights have made Mexico a top international destination for U.S. travelers. Each year, Travel + Leisure names a Destination of the Year, past honorees have included Italy, Portugal, and Japan. This year, Travel + Leisure has named Mexico as the 2022 Destination of the Year. This fascinating country has an abundance to offer tourists, including awe-inspiring beauty, delicious food, rich culture, and exclusive resorts. If you’re wondering why Mexico received this prestigious accolade this year, keep reading to find out all the reasons why you must put Mexico on your travel bucket list.
How Travel + Leisure Selects the Destination of the Year
Travel + Leisure is a consumer travel magazine that publishes travel lifestyle content with a global audience of more than 34 million readers. For the past nine years, Travel + Leisure has selected a Destination of the Year. T+L editors annually select a destination that captures their attention factoring in input from reader votes and travel experts.
Myanmar in Southeast Asia was Travel + Leisure’s very first Destination of the Year award winner in 2014. Cuba was the second country to receive this accolade and was named the 2015 Destination of the Year after opening up to American tourism at long last. Past winners have included: Portugal (2016), Canada (2017), Japan (2018), Australia (2020), and Italy (2021). In 2022, Mexico received the honor of being voted the number one country by Travel + Leisure.
Why was Mexico Crowned Destination of the Year for 2022?
According to Travel + Leisure, Mexico was deserving of this annual award because “no place filled the bill quite like Mexico.” Beguiling indigenous cultures, diverse ocean, jungle, and desert landscapes, and world-class gastronomy are just a few of the reasons that travelers should visit Mexico in 2022.
Is Mexico Safe to Visit?
In a nutshell – yes! Mexico is generally a very safe place to visit, especially when compared to other Central American countries. The main areas that you’ll want to avoid are the border towns with the United States and some rural areas in the south which can be unsafe for tourists.
Mexico has been on the receiving end of a bad rep for many years now. However, it would be fair to say that the media leans toward unnecessarily overemphasizing this threat. That’s not to say crime doesn’t exist in Mexico, but it has relatively low levels in tourist towns. The country is renowned for its friendly and helpful locals and welcoming, vibrant atmosphere.
When visiting Mexico, you should be aware of petty theft and pickpocketing. This is common in any major tourist destination, so avoid having valuables on show and always be aware of your surroundings. Overall, Mexico is a great place to visit. As in any foreign country, common sense and awareness will take you a long way.
Is Mexico Expensive to Visit?
Mexico is actually a relatively affordable destination to visit. Depending on the region or city you choose, there are price ranges for all pockets.
You can find plenty of budget-friendly hotels and restaurants, and the cost of activities and transportation is reasonable compared to countries such as the United States and Canada. Of course, your travel costs will vary depending on which part of Mexico you choose to go, but overall, it’s very affordable.
Most of the upscale resorts can be found in hotspots such as Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta, Tulum, and Cancun. However, you can still find luxury hotels and restaurants within these areas at a reasonable price point. On the other hand, Playa del Carmen is home to many budget-friendly establishments so travelers have plenty of options when it comes to planning their trip.
Affordable Eating
Mexico has a vast array of upscale, delicious cuisine. However, fear not! If you’re looking for a more economical alternative, Mexico’s delectable street food is not to be missed either. Cheap, cheerful, and delicious – whatever your budget, make sure to sample some of the best tacos and quesadillas that the country has to offer. Often street food can be bought for as little as $1.00 USD and is sure to hit that spot!
Which are the Best Places to Visit in Mexico?
Where you should vacation in Mexico all depends on what type of experiences you are looking for. If you want to experience the hustle and bustle of a big City, Mexico City and Guadalajara are top picks. If you want to enjoy a sun-drenched holiday lounging on dreamy beaches, Cancun, Los Cabos, and Puerto Vallarta are the best places to go. Or if you want to discover Mexico’s indigenous culture, visit Oaxaca. Here is just a taste of what Mexico has to offer:
Los Cabos
The sun-soaked destination of Los Cabos is perched at the southernmost tip of Mexico’s Baja Peninsula. With stunning beaches and a laid-back vibe, it’s no wonder that this beautiful destination is one of Mexico’s most popular spots for travelers.
Los Cabos has two distinct sides: Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo. Cabo San Lucas is known for its lively nightlife, while San Jose del Cabo is a more laid-back town with a traditional Mexican feel. No matter which side of Los Cabos you choose to explore, you’re sure to find plenty of activities and interesting things to do.
From world-class golfing and scuba diving to whale watching and horseback riding, there’s something for everyone in Los Cabos. And with its temperate year-round climate, this Mexican hotspot is a great destination any time of the year!
Cancun
If you’re looking for a breathtaking beach escape with plenty of culture and history to boot, look no further than Cancun, Mexico. This coastal city is located on the northeast coast of the Yucatan Peninsula and is home to some of the most stunning, crystalline beaches in all of Mexico.
Cancun is a great spot for those looking for exciting eco-tours with sailing, snorkeling, and zip line excursions being popular choices for those looking for a thrilling adventure. For those looking to dive into Mexico’s nightlife, there are a plethora of trendy bars and clubs to choose from, as well as an abundance of delicious restaurants serving up everything from traditional Mexican cuisine to international favorites.
If you’re looking for an otherworldly swimming experience, make sure to check out the breathtaking cenotes that are scattered throughout the Caribbean coast. These natural limestone sinkholes are found all throughout the Yucatan Peninsula and offer visitors a chance to take a dip in some truly unique surroundings. With crystal-clear water and dramatic cave formations, cenotes are not to be missed!
And while visiting Cancun, Tulum is a must-see destination with its ancient Mayan ruins perched atop dramatic limestone cliffs.
Mexico City
Perhaps a city break is more your thing? With Mexico City being only a short plane ride from the US, a flash break in this cosmopolitan city is very feasible.
Mexico City is the country’s capital and largest city. This metropolis is home to over 21 million people and offers travelers a wealth of things to see and do. This bustling capital can easily compete with any other renowned capital city. From world-famous museums such as the Museo Nacional de Antropología to trendy neighborhoods such as Roma and La Condesa, there’s something for everyone in Mexico City.
Enjoy the splendor of the beautiful Jacaranda trees that line the city’s avenues in springtime and its balmy year-round temperatures which make for an accommodating experience. If a city break is what you are looking for, Mexico City could end up being your destination of the year!
To see Travel + Leisure’s recommendations for places to visit in Mexico, click here.
Mexico has something for everyone, from incredible beaches and ancient ruins to lively cities and top-notch cuisine. With so much to choose from, it’s not hard to see why Mexico has become the go-to destination of the year for 2022. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your Mexican vacation today!
