Cabo San Lucas
Baja California Sur. Mexico.
Why we picked It
We officially caught the travel bug in February of 2006. We booked an all-inclusive trip to Cabo San Lucas with our good friend Dave. Neither of us had ever even been out of the country… but without Dave there to give us the push we needed, who knows if we would have caught the travel bug.
What We Loved
We are endlessly grateful to Dave for convincing us to go on this trip. We were nervous about leaving the kids – I was nervous about flying – but the trip was something that we needed in our relationship. We realized that this was something that we will always have. We will always have these memories, and we will always love making more memories in the future. The great thing about us is that we have different personalities and naturally want different things in our vacations, but we are always able to have an amazing time and each get something different out of our trips.
Cabo Travel Tips
Here are a few tips we have picked up along the way that we would have loved to have when we first started out. Some of them are Cabo specific, others come in handy wherever you go. Some came easy, others we had to learn the hard way. Sometimes when traveling, the adventure starts with the booking.
The airport code for Cabo is SJD
This is important to know when booking a package deal on any of the large booking websites. For whatever reason, if you do not use the airport code in your search it will not let you search the entire area of Cabo, only specific smaller towns within the city. This was a lesson learned the hard way.
book flights and resort together
If you are going to be booking an all-inclusive package, make sure you book flights and resort together. This will save you a ton of money. If you plan on renting a home, we like to use VRBO (Home Away is the App). Most of the time they do not have expensive security deposits and you can talk directly to the owners, which is nice. We tend to prefer this option over staying in a resort, and we have been fortunate enough to rent houses that have very attentive care-takers. Not only do they make the stay comfortable, their knowledge of the area is definitely a good asset to have.
The All-Inclusive Route
If you choose the all-inclusive route, expect to pay about $1,000 per person for a week at a moderately rated resort. That price includes airfare. You will pay about the same if you are going to be renting a home and booking your flights separately. However, when you rent a home you need to account for the cost of food and drink, it is not included in the cost of the rental as it is with the all-inclusive option.
Try to Give Back
Try to give back to the places you visit. Do some online research before traveling and find out what some of the local needs are. For example, we found that a school in Nicaragua was short on school supplies so we loaded our packs with notebooks, stickers, pencils etc. We also donated to the Bali Humane Society, a cause very dear to our hearts. Pay it forward – you are visitors in their home, give back rather than take.
Utilize Public Transportation
Whenever possible, try to utilize public transportation – buses, trains etc. This will save you a fortune and they are very punctual. If you want to take a cab, walk a short distance outside of your resort and flag one down, it shouldn’t take long for one to stop. We have noticed that the fares vary quite a bit when you don’t have the resort call you a cab, or hop into one of the cabs waiting out front. Don’t let the strange looks deter you, just keep walking…
Don't Be Afraid to Tell Venders, "No"
This was something that we struggled with on our first trip to Mexico. But when we got home, we realized that our 4 year old probably could live without the mirrachas that we guilt-purchased on the beach! Along the same lines, you don’t need to give money to everyone that asks for it. Yes, it is hard to say no, but there are other ways to help people that are in need. We like to order a meal to go at restaurants when we are done dining and give it to the homeless. Just one of the ways you can help. This is something you will have to use your own discretion with, just like anywhere you go.
All-Inclusive Resorts Are Fantastic
We have stayed in some of the most amazing resorts in the most amazing places. But please do yourself a favor and leave the resort at least once and explore the local area! We know of so many people that go to these beautiful and exotic places and never leave the resort. Yes, all-inclusive is designed to cater to your every need and who doesn’t love that? We are in no way bashing them, just suggesting that you get out and explore the area. Eat street food, go to the market, check out the local bars and immerse yourself in the area you are staying. As with anywhere you go, you obviously need to exercise caution, but if you keep a good head on your shoulders, you will come away with a completely unique travel experience.
Pre-Order Your Money
Always try order your money through your bank or credit union. The exchange rate is always better and you can familiarize yourself with the money. Also, if you pre-order your money, you don’t have to deal with the long lines for currency exchange at the airport or local banks. We like to use the XE App, it is very user friendly and has all of the conversion rates for currency wherever you travel.
MOre CAbo San Lucas…
Where It All Began – Cabo San Lucas
We officially caught the travel bug in February of 2006. We booked an all-inclusive trip to Cabo San Lucas with our good friend Dave. Neither of us had ever even been out of the country...unless you count my drunken trip to Tijuana at 19….we don’t. This was way back...
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