Looking for a holiday that serves sizzling sunshine, epic hotels, vibrant culture and more tacos than you can shake a sombrero at? Welcome to Mexico.

Holidays to Mexico 2026 highlights

• Beaches that bring the tropical vibes

• Swanky resorts with all the bells and whistles

• Loads of cenotes where you can take a cheeky dip (Google it, and thank us later)

• Home to the second-largest coral reef in the world

• Delish food that'll give your local takeaway a run for its money

Good to know

• 🤩 Fun fact - Mexico introduced the world to chocolate! The ancient Mayans were the first to turn cacao beans into a drink, calling it the “food of the gods."

• 🏖️ Best beach - now this is a hard one. If you’re into laid-back vibes, check out Playa Norte in Isla Mujeres—calm waters and perfect sunsets. For adventure seekers, Akumal Beach offers snorkelling with turtles! And for scenery lovers, Tulum Beach combines jaw-dropping views with Mayan ruins. You’re spoiled for choice!

• 🍺 Price of a pint - a refreshing cerveza will set you back about 30-50 MXN (roughly £1.20-£2). Time to say "Salud!" to a cold one!

Where's the best area to stay in Mexico?

Whether you’re looking for a laid-back family retreat, an epic group adventure, or a romantic escape for two, there’s a perfect spot waiting for you. From dreamy beach holidays to lively towns and cities buzzing with culture and nightlife, it’s all here. Here are just a few of our top-pick destinations for your next Mexico holidays:

• Family holidays – Isla Mujeres is perfect for families, with Playa Norte offering soft sand, gentle waves, and crystal-clear shallow waters for the little ones. You’ll find great restaurants along a pedestrian-friendly avenue, and golf carts are the way to explore this chilled-out island.

• Squad goals – Playa del Carmen is your go-to for a mix of beach lounging and exciting nightlife. Think beach bars, nightclubs, and tons of places to catch up with your mates.

• Coupling up – Looking for a romantic getaway? Tulum is where it’s at. Picture romantic dinners by the beach, jungle adventures, and dreamy sunsets over ancient Mayan ruins. Perfect for you and your special someone!

Best Beaches to visit on your Mexico holidays

From the iconic sands of Tulum to the serene shores of Bahía Balandra, Mexico boasts some of the world's most stunning coastal gems you should definitely check out on your 2026 holidays. Whether you're after a bustling beach party, a tranquil retreat, or a chance to swim with turtles, there's a perfect spot waiting for you. Here are a few of our faves*:

• Playa Norte: made entirely of crushed coral with shallow, paddle-friendly waters, this place is known for its quieter vibe and scuba sites thanks to its large population of white sharks (don't worry - they're harmless, and chances are you'll only see them if you want to!)

• Playa Paraíso: a top sandy spot in Tulum, serving up gorg views, chilled vibes and a ton of activities - from snorkelling to scuba diving

• Playa del Carmen: a buzzing beach town with soft, white sands like you've seen on Insta, bright blue waters and some top-tier diving sites, if you're into that

• Playa Tortugas: a lively, fam-friendly beach with shallow waters perfect for the youngsters, loads of food and drink venues dotted around, and plenty of fun activities to try your hand at - from watersports and beach volley to an epic bungee-jump off the pier!

• Playa Mujeres: prepare for some serious girl power, because this beach translates to women's beach. Don't worry, it's not a woman-only zone, but it is a long, sandy stretch known for its sunbathing and snorkelling opportunities. Tip: wear comfy footwear - some of the paths are a tad rocky!

• Playa Zicatela: this ones for the thrill-seekers, if you find yourself over in Puerto Escondido and you've got your trusty surfboard in tow, then you're gonna wanna shred your way through these epic pipeline waves, or kick back on the sand and catch the action from there.

• Akumal Beach: known as 'place of the turtles,' this is a must-visit spot for snorkellers if you fancy checking out the colourful coral reefs and saying hey to the adorable sea turtles while you're down there

• Playa Maroma: often considered one of the most beaut beaches in the world (no biggie), this stretch is all about the powder-soft sand and crystal-clear waters that take your casual swim to a whole new level

• Bahia Balandra: think shallow waters that span for miles (perfect for swimming and kayaking), and pristine sands that look like something straight off a postcard

*Okay fine, it was more than a few.

Best Hotels to stay at on your holidays to Mexico

Looking for the perfect spot to soak up the sun in Mexico? Whether you're planning a last-minute beachside escape in Cancun, a luxury resort in the Riviera Maya, or a boutique stay in Tulum, we’ve got you covered with our top hotel picks:

• Barcelo Maya Grand Resort - located right along the beachfront (just how we like it), this four-star hotel goes above and beyond with 4 buffet restaurants, 15(!!!) bars, an epic pool complex with a waterpark, and a 24-hour all inclusive programme.

• Grand Oasis Cancun - when you've got beach clubs, adults-only bars and a mega pool area to dive into, what more could you want?! That's exactly what this hotel has up its sleeve, plus a relaxing spa centre and a zone especially for the kiddos.

• Dreams Sands Cancun Resort & Spa - right in the Cancun Hotel Zone, this stunner offers a choice of outdoor pools and Jacuzzis, a bunch of restaurants, plus a ton of activities along its own private beach - from movie nights to water sports and an ocean trampoline (can confirm, it's as cool as it sounds)

• Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun - luxury never looked so good than at this adults-only hotel, decked out with a gorg infinity pool, a choice of restaurants, plenty of activities (from yoha to cocktail-making), and - get this - an award-winning beach. Doesn't get much better than that!

• Iberostar Selection Cancun -  a beachfront beaut with a whopping 10 pools to dunk into, super swanky rooms and suites, food for every mood (including Kentucky-style chicken), and an on-site spa for the perfect pamper sesh

• Bluebay Grand Esmeralda - a five-star boujee, beacy, beauty with a mouth-watering six a la carte dining spots, pools right by the beach with in water sun loungers for a true best of both worlds experience and a gorge spa to relax at when you're needing some TLC

• Dreams Tulum Resort and Spa - nestled on a white-sand beach and surrounded by tropical gardens, this resort is perfect for families and couples. With nine restaurants, a splash park, and a world-class spa, there's no shortage of things to do, including pool parties and beach yoga. Plus, you're just minutes from the Mayan ruins of Tulum!

• Melia Cozumel – located right by the beach, this family-friendly resort has it all. With an adults-only swim-up bar, mini electric car driving lessons for kids, and water sports galore, it’s perfect for everyone. Chill in the hammock lounge or explore nearby Mayan ruins. Three restaurants, loads of activities, and endless fun make it the ultimate getaway on Cozumel island!

• Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya – Adults Only – Just 200m from the beach, this adults-only escape is all about luxury and laid-back vibes. With nine dining options serving global cuisine, three pools (chill, social, and infinity), and activities like archery, beach volleyball, and yoga, there’s never a dull moment.

Mexico holidays 2026 travel guide

🍻 Mexico All inclusive holidays

Pack your bags for a proper good all-inclusive Mexico holiday where it's all scorchin' sun and sandy shores. Whether you want to party in Cancun or chill in Playa del Carmen, Mexico delivers the goods.

• Cancun Hotel Zone - sink your toes into white sands right outside a line-up of swanky hotels.

• Playa del Carmen - a more chilled-out scene along the Riviera Maya, perfect for a tranquil escape.

• All-Inclusive Vibes - whether it's endless party vibes or serene spas, everything you need is right there.

• Family Fun - resorts are bursting with activities to keep the kiddos beaming from ear to ear.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Holidays to Mexico

Take the whole gang on a sun-soaked family holiday for an unforgettable experience. With beachfront hotels and endless entertainment, you won't be short of awesome activities to try your hand at.

• Cancun Kids' Clubs - Keep the little ones smiling with packed activity schedules while you relax.

• Captain Hook’s Pirate Ship - Channel your inner pirate on this swashbuckling adventure that the kids will love.

• Interactive Aquarium - A bangin' day out getting up close with sea life—we are seriously jel.

• Waterparks - Cool off in style with slides and splash zones that are 10/10 fun.

❤️ Things to do for couples in Mexico

Mexico is the ultimate romantic escape for a couple's holiday. From ancient history to modern luxury, it is the perfect place to reconnect and enjoy some serious downtime.

• Tulum Ruins - okay, hear us out... It's got a stunning white sand beach just begging for a hand-in-hand stroll walk hand-in-hand alongside all of that ancient Mayan history - a 2-4-1 for romantic history buffs (we know you're out there).

• Couples Spa Days - indulge in pure relaxation at a luxury Riviera Maya resort total bliss.

• Cozumel Diving - explore crystal-clear waters together with some world-class snorkelling or scuba diving.

• Playa del Carmen Stroll - wander through chic boutiques before enjoying a sunset dinner at a seaside restaurant.

🧗🏼 Things to do for groups in Mexico

Planning a group holiday? Mexico has got you covered. Whether your squad loves a party or an adrenaline rush, there is zero chance of anyone getting bored here.

• Cancun Nightlife - party at lively beach clubs by day and hit the famous clubs by night.

• Jungle Adventures - head to Riviera Maya for an action-packed day of ATV rides and zip-lining.

• Cenote Exploring - swim in natural jungle pools for a refreshingly cool and unique experience.

• Chichen Itza Tours - soak up some culture with a group trip to these iconic Mayan ruins.

• Isla Mujeres Boat Trip - sail the Caribbean waters for a day of sun, sea and snorkelling.

💎 Luxury holidays in Mexico

Bright blue waters, lush rainforests and palm-filled sands - sounds like the perfect backdrop for a boujee break, right? Mexico’s Caribbean coast puts a whole new stamp on 'luxury holidays'.

• Grand Riviera Princess - a real gem with an aquatic sports centre and a whopping sixteen pools.

• Lagoon-Style Pools - massive swimming spots that give the actual ocean a run for its money.

• Beachfront Bars - sip top-tier cocktails with sand between your toes and ocean views.

• Dreamy Suites - upgrade your stay for private hot tubs and room service that'll rival the a la cartes.

Bonus tips for Mexico

• 💧 Don’t drink tap water – stick to bottled.

• 💬 Learn basic Spanish (see below!)

• 💸 Tipping is expected: 10–15%

• 🧴 Pack reef-safe sunscreen for cenotes & marine areas

• 💵 Keep small change handy for colectivos & local markets

Local lingo: talk like a local 🇲🇽

• Hola – Hello

• Gracias – Thank you

• Una cerveza, por favor – A beer, please

• ¿Cuánto cuesta? – How much does it cost?

• ¡Qué padre! – That’s cool!

• ¿Dónde está la playa? – Where is the beach?

• Lo siento, no hablo mucho español – Sorry, I don’t speak much Spanish

Getting around Mexico

• 🚌 Buses - buses are the go-to for exploring Mexico, with long-distance and local routes connecting major cities and small towns. The big plus? They’re super affordable, with many offering air-con, Wi-Fi, and even snacks! For comfy, luxury travel, check out ADO buses—ideal for long trips. Just head to a station, and you can usually grab tickets on the day.

• 🚐 Colectivos (Minibuses) - these are Mexico's version of shared minibuses, and they’re perfect for short, local trips, especially in touristy areas like Cancun and Tulum. Just hop on and hop off—easy peasy!

• 🚖 Taxis - taxis are a quick way to get around cities, and they’re pretty affordable. You can hail them on the street or book in advance through apps. Always ask for the fare beforehand or make sure the meter is running!

Other places to visit in Mexico:

• Cancun

• Mexico City

• Riviera Maya