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Car rentals are growing in popularity this year as travelers discover new ways to explore Cancun and the Mexican Caribbean beyond the resort.
Offering a massive upgrade in terms of flexibility and freedom to explore at one’s pace, car rentals are a cost-effective and convenient option for a growing number of travelers.
And with companies like Hertz offering more rentals this year, embarking on a road trip on your next Mexican Caribbean road trip can help you save money while enabling an entirely new way to travel.
With that in mind, here’s why car rentals are surging in Cancun this year and what travelers need to know before booking their next getaway.
Car Rental Firms Report Uptick In Bookings As Travel Numbers Skyrocket
Car rentals have always been popular among certain travelers, but this year, their demand has skyrocketed. Growing demand has prompted many firms to increase the availability of rentals for travelers as new destinations around the Mexican Caribbean open their doors to tourists.
According to Marco Antonio Andueza Martínez, the CEO of AVASA, a large Mexican car rental firm, the Mexican Caribbean state of Quintana Roo is leading demand nationwide for rental vehicles.
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Meanwhile, other international rental firms like Hertz are continuing to expand their presence in the region. The Florida-based company recently opened a new rental service in the brand-new Go Grand Outlet Riviera Maya, the largest luxury mall in Latin America.
The industry-leading company is also set to open a new location in Tulum International Airport, the largest and most important upcoming infrastructure project in southern Quintana Roo.
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Here’s Why Travelers Are Keen On Rental Cars This Year
One of the biggest advantages of car rentals is the flexibility they provide. The Mexican Caribbean currently lacks a comprehensive public transport system. And while that’s set to change massively with the opening of the Maya Train later this year, for now, travelers mostly rely on expensive taxis or uncomfortable bus rides to get around.
But with rentals, travelers are free to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations that are less crowded yet equally beautiful as their more popular counterparts. From remote beaches such as Punta Maroma– often referred to as the Riviera Maya’s best-kept secret to massive Mayan ruins, cars are an optimal choice for travelers looking to save time and money.
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Many of Quintana Roo’s wondrous cenotes are also best explored by car. The famous Ruta de los Cenotes in Puerto Morelos is one of the trendiest nature attractions in the region and is mainly accessed by car.
And while travelers can book guided tours of some of the most popular attractions around the Mexican Caribbean, they’re often pricy and lack privacy, with group sizes ranging from ten to over fifty people.
Keep These Safety Tips In Mind
As always, safety comes first when exploring Cancun and the Mexican Caribbean. And that same rule applies to rental cars. Despite ongoing efforts to bolster safety in the touristy region, crime levels are still higher than in some other parts of the world.
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Travelers should pay close attention to their itinerary, making sure to stick to large roads in and around tourist hotspots.
Avoid venturing into peripheral neighborhoods, which typically have the highest crime rates, and drive during the daytime whenever possible.
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As online bookings become increasingly prevalent, travelers should ensure that they are using an official rental platform, such as those offered by Hertz and other large companies.
And lastly, comprehensive travel insurance can go a long way in safeguarding against any unexpected damages.
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