Costa Mujeres, Mexico
I would love to say we book trips early, but even as we’ve gotten savyier with our travels over the years, we can’t say booking early has been something we’ve changed. Life with two kids under 2.5 is well, busy, especially working full time. The kids are in school (daycare) 5 days a week and even though we have reminders on our calendar, the week off each year always sneaks up on us.
This year, the full week off was during spring break, and we are ALWAYS in favor of building memories and experiences with our kids, even if we can’t always go on the fanciest of trips. Remember, kids find joy in the smallest things and I can promise you they will thank you for each and every adventure as everything is new to them! March in New Jersey is usually cold, rainy and leaving little to be desired personally. So, we knew if we were taking the week off, we were going to make the most of it! After a LOT of research in a short amount of time, we landed on MEXICO! We can honestly say Mexico hasn’t always been at the top of our list, but in our search, it just kept rising to the top for everything we were looking for: SUN, BEAUTIFUL SAND, EASY FLIGHT, FAMILY FRIENDLY, REASONABLY PRICED, ALL-INCLUSIVE (will explain this decision in a bit), and A SWIM-OUT SUITE (will also explain this decision in a bit, which happened to set a new MUST HAVE) for all future vacations of it’s kind!
To start, Costa Mujeres is a newer and less crowded section of the Cancun region in Mexico, with the same beautiful white sand beaches and crystal clear water. Slightly further north of Cancun, but personally worth the few extra minutes for a bit more serenity away from the crazy hotel zone/strip.
WHERE WE STAYED: Majestic Elegance Costa Mujeres
WHY AN ALL-INCLUSIVE: Let’s be clear, we are foodies so us and all-inclusives typically don’t jive, but all things considered, when traveling with two small kids, it’s important to look at the full picture of your needs. And if you have or have had small children like this, access to food 24/7 even if they only take a bite, definitely takes the cake! But what made this resort even more enticing is that it got pretty great reviews for being an all-inclusive, had multiple restaurant and diverse food options, and didn’t require a ton of advance planning/reservations. If you’re going to do an all-inclusive, definitely do your research if you like food as much as we do. That being said, it made a ton of sense this trip and we felt the ease of accessibility of an-inclusive out weighed the creme de le creme of food for each meal. We booked for 5 nights which was just the right amount of time for us to enjoy the resort, get off and explore for a day, and still have a few days at home to relax/let the kids get back into their routine before the daily school and work schedules start back up.
WHAT WE DID:
We ate, fairly decent meals! - best restaurants at this resort, in our opinion, were: Don Juame, Kabuki and El Mariachi Loco; note we were note able to try Bistro as it’s an adults only restaurant
We swam, a lot! - The Glee family pool bar and pool area by our swim out suite was by far the best vibe and experience at the hotel
We played on the beach! - Even if it was short lived, the kids loved playing in the sand and walking on the beach each morning; one morning we even saw horses that older children were allowed to ride, very nice touch Majestic Elegance!
We took our adventure off resort to Isla Mujeres for the day - we took a cab and hopped on the ferry in Downtown Cancun; the ferries run every 30 minutes and the trip is only ~20 minutes to the island; we then rented a Golf Cart and cruised around the island for the day which the kids loved! We recommend going early as it does get very busy
We relaxed and enjoyed each other - remember, it’s the little moments and laughs that create the memories
As always, here a few tips that we learned this trip in hopes it helps you plan your next trip:
TIP # 1 Choose Your Accommodation Wisely: If you're aiming for ultimate relaxation and convenience, especially when traveling with kids who nap, look no further again than a swim-out suite. This amazing option that some resorts offer, provides direct access to the pool and typically a swim up bar, providing endless entertainment for the little ones while allowing parents to unwind just steps away from their room especially during nap times!
TIP # 2 Snack Smart: A hungry child can quickly turn a pleasant journey into a chaotic ordeal. Be sure to pack a snack container filled with their favorite treats, easily accessible during long drives or flights. And if you're driving to the airport, stash some extra snacks in the car for the journey back home – you'll thank yourself later! We are obsessed with the GoBe Snack Spinner , it’s genius!
TIP # 3 Stay Prepared: Whether you're exploring a bustling city or relaxing on a serene beach, spills and messes are bound to happen. Always carry more wipes than you think you'd need to tackle any unexpected mishaps with ease.
TIP # 4 Entertainment On-the-Go: Keep boredom at bay by packing a variety of activities that your kids haven't seen before. Surprise them with new games, toys, or books tucked away in your suitcase for the journey home especially, ensuring that the excitement of the vacation lasts long after you've returned. A few ideas below:
Suction Cup Giraffe Sensory Toy Paw Patrol Sticker Playset
Melissa & Doug Water Wow! Reusable Water-Reveal Activity Pad
Crayola Baby Shark Mess Free Coloring For Toddlers
Kids Busy Board for Fine Motor Skills
TIP #5 Let Them Choose: Empower your children by allowing them to pick out one special thing during the trip, whether it's a souvenir, an activity, or a treat. This simple gesture fosters a sense of autonomy and creates cherished memories they'll treasure for years to come.
TIP # 6 Take Flight Exploration: Did you know that pilots often welcome young passengers to visit the cockpit? Don't hesitate to ask the flight crew if your children can take a peek – it's a thrilling experience that adds an extra layer of excitement to air travel.
TIP # 7 Travel Gear Essentials: Invest in a travel stroller that folds up compactly and fits in the overhead compartment. This versatile piece of equipment ensures smooth transitions between airport terminals and offers a convenient way to navigate crowded attractions with ease - Silver Cross Jet 4 Super Compact Stroller
TIP # 8 Explore Beyond the Resort: While resort amenities can be enticing, don't forget to venture off the beaten path and explore the local culture. Consider safe excursions to nearby destinations like Isla Mujeres, where you can immerse your family in authentic experiences and create lasting memories.
TIP #9 Embrace Creativity: Make the journey itself part of the adventure by inventing silly games and engaging activities. Challenge your kids to come up with funny word games like "pickle" or create impromptu scavenger hunts to keep everyone entertained during transit.
We had an absolute blast this trip reminding us that through the long travel days, toddler struggles and some minor but expected meltdowns, it’s ALWAYS worth the trip for the memories. Our son cannot stop talking about all that he did, saw, and now remembers from his trip. Our daughter’s face and constant “weeee!!!!” still brings a smile to our face. So, pack your bags, buckle up, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure with your little ones.
Enjoy the experience!
