People who escape the cold weather from wherever they live – also known as snowbirds, are starting to pack it up and return to their places of origin. This will give a brief relief to the locals who have been working hard to accommodate the winter crowds. However, this lull in visitors won’t last long. This year the Easter break, which in Mexico can last from two days and up to two weeks, is in the middle of April and will again be very busy times, with a lot of tourism arriving in town. If you are a retired expat or a permanent transplant from another country, you might want to make some alternative plans for the upcoming weeks. Here are a few ideas that might help you dodge the influx of people coming to the area.
Places like Xpu Ha and Xcacel beaches are locations that are more remote, which in turn makes them a perfect destination when wanting to escape the tourist. These type of out-of-the-way places are mostly known to the locals and expats. These secluded beaches provide a laidback haven for people who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the more popular destinations. They have their own bar and grills, water activities and plenty of room to relax.
Try to avoid places like Tulum, Playa del Carmen and Puerto Aventuras where vacationers like to flock too. If you want to get away for a few days, you should consider Puerto Morelos or possibly Akumal. Even though these two particular towns are attached to the Riviera Maya’s beautiful coastline, they are less known for being a tourist trap. They offer many locally owned hotels and condos that are tucked far enough away from the “Hot Spots†where tourist like to hang out at.
It might be a perfect time to take that well deserved weekend trip to Bacalar. Bacalar is one of the hidden gems that resides in the state of Quintana Roo. It is approximately a four-hour drive from Playa del Carmen and isn’t really known as a touristy area. However, it does have all the essentials to be one: there are plenty of small restaurants and cafes and different lodging options. By the square, it has an old fort, which was used to protect the town against pirate attacks and which you can explore.
But Bacalar’s most tempting attraction is the lagoon, known as the lagoon with 7 colors, which has the gorgeous gem-like blue colors you have ever seen in this region, and which is known for its calming effect. You should take time and explore the cenotes or kayak in its gentle waters. There are different tours and day trips available to explore the lagoon and cenotes located nearby.
Anyways, even with these ideas to escape the crowds, maybe you deserve a break from the constant flow of tourists looking for some “fun in the sunâ€; in that case, maybe it’s time for a stay at home vacation. Go to the grocery store and pick up your favorite main dishes, plenty of snacks, and your favorite beverages and just hang around the casa for a few days! Invite a few friends over for a BBQ, hang out by the pool, or relax by reading a good book. There is nothing wrong with taking some time for yourself.
And remember… we make it happen!