Mexico holidays

Popular holidays

Mexico holidays match up tropical beaches and ancient Mayan ruins – like the UNESCO-listed Chichén Itzá – with year-round sun, world-class All Inclusive hotels and authentic Mexican hospitality.

Winter sun and spring break

Mexico is the connecting puzzle piece between the USA and Central America – it borders four different US states in the north, and snakes all the way down to Belize and Guatemala in the south. It’s a popular holiday spot for winter sun-seekers in December and January, and party animals flock here for the spring break peak in March, which brings foam parties and bar crawls into the agenda. But with the sun beaming down throughout the year, there’s never a bad time to visit.

Cancun to Riviera Maya

The star of the show in eastern Mexico is the Caribbean Sea coastline. Cancun's top dog out here. It’s home to a 22-kilometre belt of white sand, shopping malls, and an after-dark scene to rival Rio. Just so you know, the beaches on the Caribbean coast sometimes experience increased levels of seaweed – called sargassum. It’s influenced by the weather and ocean currents. If your hotel’s affected, the staff will do everything they can to clear it. And about an hour's drive away in Riviera Maya, there's Playa del Carmen, which offers everything Cancun does, but in smaller portions.

The Riviera Maya's jungles and ruins

In the rest of the Riviera Maya, things are on the quieter side – instead of bright lights and late nights, you’ve got tropical jungle and Mayan ruins to keep you occupied. This area’s home to more than just beaches and palms. You can also dive into emerald-tinted cenotes and raft down rivers through huge eco parks that monkeys, jaguars and flamingos call home. In nearby Tulum, meanwhile, you’ll be able to top up your tan right below a pre-Columbian city, and practise your yoga poses in modern studios.

All Inclusive excellence for families and adults

From family hotels with waterparks and laser tag, to adults-only luxury escapes, there’s an All Inclusive Mexico holiday to suit every traveller. You’ll find the likes of RIU and Hard Rock hotels in Cancun and Riviera Maya, including spots within easy reach of the best nightlife spots and sprawling beaches. All your meals, snacks and drinks are taken care of when you go All Inclusive. And now, you won’t even need to set aside any money for departure tax if you’re coming here, as it's included within the cost of your holiday.

Popular hotels in Mexico

Latest reviews

Facts about Mexico

Capital

Mexico City

Currency

Mexican Peso

(MXN)

Population

113,423,050

Language

Spanish

Time zone

GMT -6

Flight duration

From 10 hours 45 minutes to 12 hours 15 minutes from Gatwick

Discover Mexico with One of TUI's Experts

FAQs

Some FAQs are AI-generated. Use them as a helpful guide and confirm details before making travel decisions.

Where can I find the latest travel advice?

All your questions about entry requirements, visas, passports or health information are answered on our Travel Advice page.

What should I pack for Mexico?

For Mexico, pack lightweight, breathable clothing suitable for warm weather. Bring sun protection essentials: a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen. Include comfortable walking shoes, swimwear, and a light jacket for cooler evenings. Don't forget insect repellent, a reusable water bottle, and any necessary medications.

Where can I try local food in Mexico?

In Mexico, visit local taquerías for tacos, quesadillas and tamales, and markets for fresh mole, pozole and elote, grilled corn. Regional specialities vary, with coastal areas offering ceviche and seafood, and inland regions serving birria and carnitas. Street vendors and family-run restaurants provide authentic flavours throughout the country.

What's the nightlife like in Mexico?

Mexican nightlife is lively and varied. You'll find lively bars and clubs in tourist areas like Cancun and Playa del Carmen. Many resorts offer evening entertainment with live music and shows. In cities, you can experience traditional cantinas or modern nightclubs.

Where are the best places to shop in Mexico?

Mexico offers diverse shopping experiences. You'll discover colourful markets selling traditional crafts in cities like Mexico City and Oaxaca. For modern retail, Cancun and Playa del Carmen have large malls. Many resorts also feature boutiques where you can find souvenirs and beachwear.

Should I tip in Mexico?

Tipping in Mexico is customary and appreciated for good service. It is common to leave 10 to 15% of the bill at restaurants and cafés. For hotel staff, taxi drivers and tour guides, leaving a small tip is a nice gesture.

What are the best beaches in Mexico?

Mexico offers varied beaches from Caribbean sands in Cancún and Playa del Carmen to Pacific shores in Puerto Vallarta. Tulum features palm lined beaches with ancient Mayan ruins nearby and calm waters for swimming. Isla Mujeres, Akumal Bay and Playa Norte provide opportunities for snorkelling, while Los Cabos offers dramatic coastlines and watersports.

Are there any local customs I should know about in Mexico?

When visiting Mexico, greetings are important. A handshake is common, while close friends may greet with a hug or cheek kiss. Dress modestly when visiting churches or local towns. Learning a few basic Spanish phrases is appreciated. In restaurants, keep hands visible and avoid resting elbows on the table.

What travel adapter do I need for Mexico?

When visiting Mexico, you'll find two types of electrical outlets: two-pin flat parallel prongs Type A and two flat parrallel pins with a grounding pin Type B. We recommend bringing a dual-purpose adapter that accommodates both types. Most hotels also offer USB charging ports for added convenience.

Events in Mexico

January

Epiphany

Ephiphany – or Three Kings Day – is marked by Christians all over Mexico on the 6th of January with all-singing-all-dancing processions, masses and good old fashioned community fiestas.

February

Constitution Day

Picnics, parties and family gatherings are held across Mexico to mark the adoption of the country’s constitution on the first Monday in February. Keep an eye out for local festivals, as well.

Passion plays are a big highlight during Holy Week, where you can see dramatic re-enactments of Christ's journey

March

Semana Santa

Semana Santa – AKA Holy Week – is part of Mexico’s Easter celebrations. The event’s marked with parades, religious ceremonies and dramatic re-enactments of the Passion of Christ play.

April

Children’s Day

Children’s Day, or Dia del Nino, is celebrated across Mexico in April, so you might come across the likes of fairs, live performances and community events – perfect if you’re here with little ones.

May

Cinco de Mayo

Mexico’s faux Independence Day, Cinco de Mayo (AKA 5th of May) sees hotels in Cancun throw fiesta nights with mariachi music, traditional dances and al fresco dinners.

Pride celebrations in the streets of Mexico City

June

Pride Month

The biggest Pride celebrations happen over in Mexico City, but you can still get involved in the Cancun area. The events calendar here includes the likes of drag shows, parties and a smaller parade.

July

Tulum Lobster Festival

Tulum’s annual Lobster Festival is held in mid-August, and its highlights include cooking classes, live music and talks. Admission to most of the festival’s free – you just pay for what you eat.

A newly-hatched turtle on a beach near Oaxaca

August

Turtle hatching season

Mexico’s turtle nesting and hatching season starts at the end of August. Head to a beach at dusk – the ones in Akumal and Isla Mujeres are your best bet – to be in with a chance of spotting them.

September

Independence Day

Step aside, Cinco de Mayo. Contrary to popular belief, in Mexico, Independence Day’s celebrated on 16th of September. Parades, fireworks and live music are put on to mark the occasion.

October

Halloween

At the end of October, you can expect plenty of spooky events and fancy dress as people celebrate Halloween and get ready for Mexico’s own version, Day of the Dead.

November

Day of the Dead

Arguably Mexico’s most famous festival, the Day of the Dead celebrates the lives of lost loved ones with huge parties, parades and costumes complete with bold skeleton makeup.

A traditional piñata con nochebuena, bearing a seasonal poinsettia

December

Posadas

The lead-up to Christmas in Mexico means lots of posadas – re-enactments of Mary and Joseph looking for somewhere to stay. Expect traditional songs, pinata smashing and plenty of food.