Planning your first family trip to Mexico

Focus on a single, family-friendly destination like the Riviera Maya or Puerto Vallarta rather than hopping between cities. Stick to direct flights and pre-arranged private shuttles to keep travel days manageable for children.

  1. Choose your region carefully. If you have toddlers, stick to the Caribbean side (Cancun/Riviera Maya) for calmer waters and proximity to major theme parks. If you have older kids, Puerto Vallarta offers more 'real-life' Mexican culture and walkable streets.
  2. Arrange airport transfers in advance. Do not wait for a taxi at the airport. Use a reputable service like Canada Transfers or USA Transfers to have a driver waiting with a car seat pre-installed. It saves 60 minutes of stress.
  3. Book all-inclusive resorts for the first trip. For a first trip, food and drink access is your biggest pain point. All-inclusive resorts take the logistics of 'where to eat' off your plate and usually include kids' clubs that offer hours of structured play.
  4. Use bottled water for everything. Even in high-end resorts, only use bottled or purified water for drinking and brushing teeth. Carry a small pack of hand sanitizer and use it before every meal.
Is it safe to drink the tap water?
No. Never drink tap water. Use bottled water, even for brushing teeth.
Do I need car seats?
Yes. Most private transfers will provide them for a small fee if you request them during booking. Never use a taxi without a secured seat for your child.