Top 10 Cheap Mexico Destinations from Phoenix, Arizona

If you live in the Phoenix, Arizona area why not plan a cheap vacation down to Mexico? Flights departing Phoenix and arriving in different destinations in Mexico are cheap! If you don't live in the Phoenix area you will still be able to search out cheap airfare by using a travel site such as Travelocity to find the best air fares. When you are looking for the cheapest Mexican vacation possible you must steer clear of resort areas because these areas cater to tourists from the US, Canada and Europe and they charge accordingly. To get the best prices on everything from food, lodging, and shopping you will need to venture off the beaten path and travel outside the tourist traps. By doing this you will still be able to visit the famous beaches, ruins, enjoy shopping, and consume the excellent cuisine that Mexico has to offer, plus all the while you will save tons of money!

Note: Travel Alert,The level of drug-related violence throughout Mexico is a major problem. Tourists are not specifically targeted, but any travelers visiting Mexico should use extreme caution. Check the US Department of State Travel Advisory Site for current government warnings.

Airfare and hotel price quotes listed at the time of writing are subject to change. Airfare prices are quoted with departure from Phoenix ,AZ.

Here are my top 10 picks for Mexico destinations where you can travel cheap!

1. Ensenada

How about a cruise along with a vacation in Mexico? Carnival Cruise Lines offers ridiculously cheap 4 day cruises to Ensenada, Mexico from $199 per person departing from San Diego, CA. Things to do in Ensenada include beach escapes, snorkeling, fishing, shopping, biking and walking tours, whale watching, and food tasting.

2. Toluca

Toluca is located less than 40 miles from Mexico City. If you fly into Mexico City and take a bus to Toluca the cost is around $275 per person. Travelocity offers heavily discounted flights if you are flexible with travel dates. Bus fares from Mexico City to Toluca are $11.50 one way. You can stay at the Microtel Inn and Suites Toluca for $50 a night! Things to do in Toluca include a visit to the botanical garden, the Toluca Cathedral, and the Volcano Shinantekatl. Shopping and dining opportunities abound.

3. Merida

Round trip airfare offered through Travelocity's flexible date plan starts at $338 per person round trip and Hotel del Peregrino offers nightly rates starting at $45. Merida is the capital of the state of Yucatan. Short trips from Merida will take you to the coveted beaches on Cozumel and Cancun. Many ruins are dotted all around the area. Merida is a wonderful colonial styled city that offers shopping, dining and cathedrals to visit.

4. Guanajuanto

This colonial city is located northwest of Mexico City and the best way to get there is to fly into Mexico City and take a bus to Guanajuanto. The bus fare will be about $60 round trip. Here is a link to helpful bus information, Mexperience.com. Why not stay at the Hotel El Marques Hacienda with rates starting at $55.00 a night? Things to do while visiting Guanajuanto include visiting the colonial center, museums and art centers, cathedrals, golfing and shopping.

5. Oaxaca

Airfare from Phoenix directly into Oaxaca Mexico starts at $358 per person roundtrip! The Hotel Mision San Felipe offers rooms starting at $72 a night. Oaxaca is the culinary capital of Mexico, so be sure to eat some extraordinary food while visiting this city. Activities in Oaxaca include biking, beaches, museums, shopping, golf and obviously dining out.

6. Monterrey

Starting airfare prices from Phoenix to Monterrey are $427 roundtrip per person. The Holiday Inn in downtown Monterrey offers many amenities with rates starting at $63 a night. While visiting Monterrey you will want to visit the beach, horseback ride, golf, visit museums, dine out and shop. Monterrey also has 3 amusement parks and a zoo, which makes this city a great family destination.

7. Veracruz

Travelocity does not offer their flexible date plan on this destination, but they do offer flights starting at about $550 roundtrip per person from Phoenix. The Holiday Inn Veracruz will save you money with rates starting at $57 a night. Veracruz is a lovely port town so you will want to visit the beaches, the naval museum and the aquarium. Other things to do in Veracruz include visiting the San Juan Fort, the Plaza de las Armas, as well as shopping and dining out.

8. Mexico City

You can travel to Mexico City and enjoy all this mega city has to offer on a budget. First you will save on airfare because round trip airfare as I stated above starts at $275 round trip per person. Secondly you can choose to stay at a hotel such as the Galeria Plaza Hotel Reforma Mexico City with rates per night starting at $61. With all your savings on the two main objects of travel you will have more to spend on site seeing, shopping, nightlife and dining out.

9. Rocky Point

If you are adventurous you could drive your own vehicle into Mexico and visit Rocky Point. There are many guidelines you have to abide by and here is a helpful list of what is required to drive your own vehicle in Mexico. There are also shuttle busses that will take you down to Rocky Point from the Phoenix area with prices starting at $190 per person round trip. Sonoran Sun Resort offers a room that sleeps 4 priced at $112-$148 during the regular travel season. Things to do in Rocky Point include kayaking, riding ATV's, horses, jet skis, fishing, sightseeing, scuba diving, sailing and parasailing.

10. San Carlos

San Carlos is another Mexico destination that you could drive to from Phoenix if you dare! Many people do it, but if you would rather take a bus that is available as well. With TUFESA Bus Lines you can purchase a ticket to Guaymas for $50. This helpful link will provide more information about San Carlos, sancarlosmexico.com. When looking for a hotel to stay at in San Carlos visit this website, San Carlos Hotels, I found hotels starting at $31 a night! Fun things to do in San Carlos are fishing, whale watching, diving, nightlife, shopping and dining.

Sources:
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/mexico/
www.travelocity.com
www.tripadvisor.com