Hi Reader!

All the major travel publications have released their "Where to Travel in 2024" lists, along with predictions for what the next big trends and hotspots are going to be. So, I figured I might as well do the same!

These are some of the Mexico destinations I expect to be popular in 2024.

This list is based primarily on my own casual data analysis. I've considered which Mexico destinations travel publications are touting, what's currently popular, and factored in the places I receive frequent questions about.

This is a long email... But hopefully, it inspires you to check out some new-to-you parts of Mexico...Or maybe revisit an old favorite!

1. Mexico City

Mexico City continues to be a popular spot for travelers who enjoy a city break and digital nomads looking to soak up life in the cosmopolitan capital. It's the number one destination I get asked about, and it doesn't matter how many times one visits, it never feels like enough. So, I'm not surprised that folks continue to include it on their travel itineraries!

Curious to visit? Check out my itinerary for how to spend four days in CDMX. (It's due for an update because I think I made it too museum-heavy, but it will get you started!)

2. Cancun

Cancun is probably Mexico's ultimate resort destination. And it's the perfect jumping-off point for anyone looking to visit the Riviera Maya or the Yucatan peninsula in general. Cancun's hotel zone is reminiscent of Las Vegas-- you just show up and enjoy your vacation. This makes it an appealing option for those looking for a sun-soaked escape that requires minimal planning. I encourage anyone headed to the area to venture off the resort and check out some of the other things to do in the Riviera Maya, but there's nothing wrong with posting up in a lounger by the pool, either. 😉

3. Tulum

Tulum is still super popular for those looking for an aesthetically pleasing beach vacation. I have mixed feelings about Tulum because it feels so overhyped, but it's also one of the most beautiful natural areas on the coast and has incredible beaches.

It's packed with artistic boutique hotels and plays host to all kinds of bespoke foodie and wellness experiences, along with epic raves and beach parties.

And a brand new airport just opened there, making it even easier to plan a boho beach escape. (It's slated to start receiving international flights in March of this year.)

I do think the Tulum bubble will burst eventually, but it's so popular at this point that I think many folks just need to go see it for themselves. If you're headed to Tulum, read this first!

4. Merida & the Yucatan Peninsula

Merida has been gaining popularity for years, thanks, in part, to the fact that it's considered one of the safest cities in North America. It's also a beautiful city with a great climate (if you love heat) and lots of culture. Merida has its own international airport with direct flights from a few major US cities, enabling travelers to bypass the chaos of Cancun and land in the heart of Yucatan.

With the Mayan Train (Tren Maya) operating, I suspect that Merida and the rest of the Yucatan Peninsula will become increasingly popular. The New York Times even named the Yucatan Peninsula as one of their 52 Places to Go in 2024, and Travel and Leisure named Merida one of their top 50 travel destinations for the year.

The Mayan train is a controversial project because an enormous amount of nature was decimated in order to install its infrastructure, but the hope is that it will spread money throughout this region.

I definitely have qualms about it, but it does seem like a safe and efficient way for travelers to move throughout the Yucatan.

It will open up harder-to-reach destinations, like Uxmal, Izamal, Calakmul, and many more, to more tourists. This is cool for those who are keen to visit these places, but it poses challenges for local infrastructure that may not yet be equipped for a huge influx in tourism.

Check out my guide to fun things to see in the Yucatan for more inspiration!

5. Campeche City & State

Campeche neighbors Yucatan State, which is home to Merida. Its main city is Campeche, an architecturally intriguing colonial city surrounded by fortress walls. Campeche state is also home to tons of off-the-beaten-path archaeological sites, including Calakmul and Edzna.

I suspect with Merida gaining popularity (and prices going up), foreigners looking for a more immersive, lowkey atmosphere, may overflow into Campeche. At the same time, I expect the Mayan Train will bring more visitors to this area, and they'll quickly realize how lovely it is and spread the word.

I've already started seeing some major blogs and travel publications publish pieces on Campeche, so I suspect it's going to be the newest trendy off-the-beaten-path destination. Intrigued? Get there while it's still on the come-up!

6. Central Mexico

I have this sneaky feeling that if all the people who are obsessed with the "authenticity" of Tulum visited any of the towns in central Mexico, they'd never look back. I think I've decided that this is my favorite region of the country -- even though it's not an official region, I'm just deeming it one-- and I'm deeming myself the unofficial spokesperson for it.

Guanajuato, San Miguel de Allende, Queretaro, Morelia... the Huasteca Potosina... and that's just a broad overview. There is so much to see and do here, from art walks through mind-blowingly beautiful pueblos magicos (SMA!!) to swimming in natural waterfalls or experiencing the monarch butterfly migration... How is any of this real?! And again, this is just the obvious stuff.

​Read my guide to central Mexico and start adding to your bucket list.

7. San Pancho, Nayarit

"It's like Sayulita was ten years ago!" is the most common description I hear of this town.

And it makes sense. It's only 10 minutes away.

I visited about a year ago and can confirm that San Pancho is beautiful and more mellow than its neighboring beach town. But San Pancho is more "on the map" with every passing year. If you haven't been, get there now while it's still chill! The word is definitely out.

8. La Paz, Baja California Sur

The capital of the state of Baja California Sur is famous for eco-tourism and its waterfront Malecon. From here, visitors can swim with whale sharks, and take kayaking tours, snorkeling excursions, and even diving trips to spot local marine life and sea life. The nearby Isla Espiritu Santo is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve located just off the coast of La Paz, and a popular destination for kayakers!

For those looking to experience the impressive natural beauty of the Baja Peninsula, La Paz is a good place to do it. The town itself is less affected by mass tourism than destinations like Los Cabos or even Todos Santos.

I wouldn't say La Paz is "off the beaten path," but it hasn't caught on the way some of the other cities in the Baja have. However, I suspect that may shift. I have seen it on several of these "best places" roundups for 2024, and I'm personally very intrigued to go there!

9. Puebla City

I maintain that Puebla City is pretty underrated. It's beautiful, easy to get to, and affordable. It also offers tons of culture and great food, and there are all kinds of cool things to see and do within the area surrounding the city, too.

You can hike in the Itza-Popo National Park, visit the world's largest pyramid (by volume) in Cholula, shop for handicrafts, or take day/weekend trips to beautiful towns like Atlixco, Tlaxcala and Huamantla (to name a few).

Plus, Puebla is only 2 hours from Mexico City.

If you've checked Airbnb prices in Mexico City lately, you'll know that they've gone way up over the past few years. I anticipate that Puebla may start to receive more attention as a result. It's very affordable there, and there are a number of language schools, making it a great option for anyone looking for an immersive experience!

10. Veracruz State

Veracruz State doesn't make it onto the radar of many travelers because it's a little bit removed from the most popular routes through the country, and it's a region that's a bit harder to navigate if you don't speak Spanish.

That said, I've noticed an increasing number of YouTubers covering Xalapa and Veracruz. And, I've talked to several people over the past few months about spending time in Xalapa, Coatepec, and other parts of the state. So maybe the area's experiencing a tiny surge in interest?!

I don't know that this state will ever be on the level of Oaxaca or Guanajuato in terms of international tourism, and that's fine! It's a magical, unaffected state with a ton to offer for the right type of traveler.

I lived in Xalapa for over three years, and it's an incredible city full of art, culture, and incredible food. And the views!!! The entire state has a ton to offer for anyone interested in history, archaeology, or eco/adventure tourism. And there are tons of picturesque pueblos magicos to enjoy, too.

If you want to take a Mexico trip where you're fully immersed in the culture and forced to practice your Spanish, Veracruz State should definitely be at the top of your list!

If you're curious about Xalapa, read my guide to the city!

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​Looking for travel guidance?

I know there are endless considerations when it comes to planning a trip. If there’s ever anything you need a hand with when it comes to planning Mexico travel, I’d be more than happy to talk it through with you!

I offer 1:1 Mexico travel consultations for this exact purpose. These are calls where we’ll work through your Mexico travel questions (or anxieties) so you can start your trip out feeling prepared and confident. I've reduced the price from $120 for 1 hour to $50 for the rest of the month, so if you think this might be helpful for you, click this link to schedule your call at a discount! Or reply to this email for more info.

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Hasta pronto!

Janine

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