Vacation Packages

Practical Traveler Heading South for Hot Deals New York Times

14.10.09

If you want sunshine and a beach, there’s no better value now than Mexico. And with Mexico’s winter high season on the horizon, the savings seem even more worthwhile.

Average airfare to Mexico from the United States this fall is about $392 round trip, according to Travelocity, down 25 percent from last fall. To win back visitors scared off by reports of Mexican gang and drug violence and the H1N1 outbreak earlier this year, resorts are slashing rates to the bone, with special incentives the longer guests stay.

Condo Hotels Playa del Carmen, a group of condominiums near the beach, is offering 25 percent off in November with one-bedroom studios starting at $100 a night. Guests who stay seven nights receive an additional 10 percent off.

Chain hotels, with lots of rooms to sell, are offering some of the most aggressive deals. Grupo Posadas, which owns the Fiesta and Aqua chains in Mexico, is offering up to 35 percent off nightly rates, plus 25 percent off dining and drinks. Discounted rates start at $71 a night through Dec. 23 at Fiesta Americana Cozumel Dive Resort. Marriott is offering 25 percent off rooms, as well as off food and beverages through Nov. 30 (use promotional code EMK).

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