A vacation to Mexico for military families is often met with hesitation. While warm weather and sandy beaches sound desirable, questions arise like: “Is it safe for service members?” and “Are we even allowed to travel to Mexico?”
The great news is that, yes, military families can travel to Mexican tourism cities like Los Cabos and many notable destinations, such as Cancun, Tulum and Puerto Vallarta. For families stationed near the border, it can serve as an affordable, safe and quick international getaway.
There are many misconceptions about traveling to Mexico, but knowing the facts and having an itinerary prepared can turn a trip to Mexico into your family’s favorite getaway. This is what you need to know before booking a trip to Los Cabos, Baja California, Mexico.
Looking at the facts
One of the most common misconceptions is that service members are prohibited from traveling to Mexico. However, that is not completely true. While it is accurate that certain areas and towns in Mexico are off limits to active-duty service members and are under travel advisory from our government, there are a variety of tourism zones that are safe to visit, including Los Cabos (which encompasses Cabo San Lucas, San Jose del Cabo and La Paz) in the Baja California Peninsula. This area remains one of the safest areas for tourists to visit, with highly developed and secure resorts and tourist attractions.
Tips for safe travel abroad:● Review travel advisory information before booking your trip. Government websites, such as the U.S. Department of State, allow you to check updated and real-time travel advisories for each country. ● Enroll in the STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program) prior to your trip. STEP is a free service for U.S. citizens that allows the government to send real-time information about safety, civil unrest, health, weather, and other relevant updates. This is a lifeline to the U.S. Embassy in your travel area, allowing them to find and contact you in case of an emergency. ● Give as much information as possible to your command. Giving a travel itinerary to your command can seem invasive, but it’s a great way to keep them informed of your whereabouts. Consider including your flight information and your choice of accommodations. |
Arriving in Mexico and getting around
One of the biggest stressors of navigating a new country, especially with children, is transportation. That’s why I recommend booking a driver and transfer services such as Mexico Planners/Transcabo. They offer professional, certified bilingual drivers who will assist in taking your family anywhere you need to go in spacious, comfortable vehicles. Their services are safe, reliable and provide ease from the moment you land to the time you return home. With this service, you won’t have to struggle with renting a car or figuring out directions. Unlike grabbing a random taxi at the airport or renting a car, using a vetted company like Transcabo ensures your family avoids unnecessary risks and enjoys a more relaxing vacation experience.
Tips for securing a driver and transportation services:● Consult with your hotel/resort. Many hotels and resorts offer courtesy vehicles for their guests. Check first to see if your resort fees cover the costs of transportation. ● Book in advance if possible. Transportation is one of the most essential portions of your trip. Booking early will save you the hassle of needing to figure it out once you land. Use tour companies like Mexico Planner, Viator, GetYourGuide, or TripAdvisor to find the best company that meets your needs. |
Accommodations
When planning a trip to Los Cabos, one of the most important decisions you will make is where to stay. For military families, your accommodations can make the difference between a relaxing vacation and a logistical nightmare.
Fortunately, Los Cabos is a resort town that offers a variety of accommodations to fit your family’s needs and budget. Additionally, many resorts and vacation rentals — especially in Cabo San Lucas — are situated near top attractions and tour destinations. Whether you’re booking a getaway with the kids, an extended family vacation with the grandparents, or planning this trip as a much-needed R&R for just you and your spouse, there’s an option for you.
Booking the perfect resort
If it’s your first time in Mexico or Los Cabos, booking an all-inclusive resort package is a great option. All-inclusive resorts allow first-timers to get a feel for the area while eliminating the guesswork of planning. No having to figure out what’s for dinner, no having to leave the resort unless you want to, and little to no additional costs.
Resorts like the Krystal Grand offer a great combination of affordability and ease for families. This resort is an oceanfront property located just 15 minutes from the airport, which I personally recommend for families new to traveling to Los Cabos. Despite being one of the most budget-conscious resorts in the area, it offers a beautiful property with several pools, gorgeous swim-out suites, six restaurants and dining experiences, and a kids’ club for adults to sneak away and spend some rest and relaxation time.
All-inclusive resorts give a factor of cost predictability, which can be especially important on a family vacation. Since you know your costs upfront, you spend less money once you arrive. The beautiful thing about Los Cabos is that as a resort town, the options are endless, whether you want the affordability of an all-inclusive resort or you want to splurge on luxury resorts that lean more à la carte.
Pro Tip:● Utilize military discounts and reward programs. Your military service entitles you to a variety of discounts. Companies like Hilton, Marriott, and Hyatt offer military discounts to service members on leisure travel. Take advantage of these offers by booking through their apps and utilizing their reward programs. In addition, the AMEX Platinum card allows active-duty service members to waive the annual fee, and gives access to additional AMEX benefits like discounted stays, an elevated point-and-reward system, and even access to luxury lounges on your travels. |
Booking a vacation rental
If you have a larger or extended family who wants to join you on vacation, booking a vacation rental may be a better option. Vacation rentals offer a more authentic experience while also providing the comfort and space that you would expect from a second home.
Cabo Villas vacation rentals is one of the most popular vacation rental services in Los Cabos. With hundreds of spacious and luxurious accommodations available, a property that you will love certainly exists. These properties offer villa-style living with multiple rooms and living spaces, full-service kitchens, and private amenities.
The best part is that you can skip all the things that you don’t want to do and book all of the things you do. Book an in-home chef, a massage, a babysitter, or a private excursion. Through their concierge service, you can have the same amenities of a hotel or resort.
Resort vs. vacation rental
- Choose a resort or an all-inclusive if you want a simple, structured vacation where everything is taken care of. This one is ideal for shorter trips, first-time Los Cabos visitors, or families who want to relax without having to make daily decisions.
- Opt for a vacation rental if you value privacy, need more space, or are traveling with a group that wants to spread out and have a more customized experience.
No matter which option you choose, both options are located in safe, family-friendly areas and offer easy access to the best that Los Cabos has to offer.
Tips for military families:● Travel insurance. Always purchase travel insurance that includes medical evacuation and other services, just in case. ● Documents. Bring passports for all family members, and check if your base requires any additional travel clearances. ● Communication. Download WhatsApp for easy communication while abroad, as most local services utilize it. ● Local currency. While many places accept U.S. dollars, using pesos often gets you a better deal. |
Final thoughts
With these tips, your family’s getaway to Mexico may go down in history as one of your favorite destinations yet. Mexico, and specifically Los Cabos, is an incredible destination with stunning scenery and warm people who are ready to share their beautiful culture.
To answer the original question: yes, Mexico is safe for service members, and you can enjoy a getaway with the right planning and know-how.
