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The tourist numbers in Cancun and Quintana Roo state as a whole are increasing with each coming year, and this means more tourist dollars. Not only that, tourists are traveling with the intention of spending more than in previous years. Compared to 2019, average spending is up nearly 20%.
If the general rule of business applies here, then more demand will mean slightly higher prices for goods and services. Meaning that tourists might have to be prepared for higher prices, especially in Cancun.
For reference, a recent study indicates that tourists have about a 17.2% increase more than in 2019. This is attributed to “economic recovery” as well as “signs of positive consumer confidence in their respective countries of origin.”
Almost Half The Tourists Arriving In Mexico By Air Are Landing In Quintana Roo
It’s no doubt that Cancun is a busy place. The latest estimates from the Ministry of Tourism have revealed that around 21.5 million tourists will arrive in Mexico via air, and about 10.3 of those arrivals will be in Quintana Roo.
Cancun International Airport is also the busiest airport in the state of Quintana Roo by far, with the other being Chetumal and Cozumel.
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Last year, Cancun International became the 9th busiest airport in the world. It’s also the second-busiest airport in Mexico after Mexico City International Airport.
So if you’re worried about inflated prices in your favorite tourist destination, want to know how you can make your travel dollars go further on your next trip?
Here’s how you can save on your next adventure to Cancun:
Book Ahead
Sometimes, the best deals can be booked months ahead of time. One way to save money on a trip to a sought-after vacation destination like Cancun is locking in a great price when it comes up and then booking off those vacations days later.
Look For Last-Minute Deals
If you want to plan a budget-friendly trip (and just being a more budget-friendly traveler in general), it always helps to keep your eyes and ears open. Know the average price of the Cancun trip that you have in mind, whether it be a luxurious or mid-range all-inclusive getaway or a curated trip with a boutique hotel stay.
It’s pretty simple – if you know the going rates of a certain hotel, then you’ll know when there’s a deal. Booking a ‘last-minute deal’ will truly be a deal if you know that you paid less than the average price for that hotel stay or an all-inclusive package.
Make A Travel Budget And Stick To It
To really let your budget-friendly travel dreams come true, set aside a certain amount of funds that you can for your Cancun excursion and stick with it. There’s so much to consider when it comes to a trip budget: think daily food budget, hotel, tours, and airfare. If you don’t bend on those big budget items, then you’ll be fine.
Pro tip: It’s worth it to splurge on a once-in-a-lifetime experience. If you want to dine at one of the best restaurants in Cancun or Playa del Carmen, for example, then know you might have to be a little more strict with money on other days of your trip. It’s all about balance.
More Tips On Traveling To Cancun On A Budget
If you’re already traveling and need some quick tips on making your Cancun travel budget go a little further, here are some important things to keep in mind:
- Don’t exchange money at the airport: These places typically have the worst exchange rates! Wait until you’re in the city, or use an ATM (notify your bank that you’ll be traveling beforehand) as you’ll get a chance at snagging the best exchange rates for USD, CAD, Euros, or whichever currency you’d like to convert to Mexican pesos.
- Pay in pesos: On that note, it’s always best to pay in pesos if you can! It can be so easy to round things up if you’re doing the conversion in your head. Taxis, restaurants, bars, and tours might also charge a little less if they give the price in pesos.
Plan Your Next Cancun Vacation:
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Firstlast
Monday 13th of March 2023
Tourist AND locals are spending more because of inflation...not because of increased perceived value.