US Japan Fam
  • Blog
  • About Me
    • Contact
    • Subscribe to our List Serves!
    • Press Page - Travel
    • Hire Me!
    • DIY Hair Inspo!
    • Privacy Policy & Disclaimers
  • Family Travel + Momcations
  • Membership
  • NJ / NY Guides
    • Day Trips & Weekend Getaways from NYC
    • Hudson Valley >
      • Day Trips & Activities
    • Bay Ridge Families >
      • Life in NYC >
        • Brooklyn
        • Bronx
        • Manhattan
        • Queens
        • Staten Island
      • Summer Camp Guide
      • Birthday Party Guide
      • Classes & Activities for Babies & Toddlers
      • Halloween Guide
      • Holiday Guide
      • Scavenger Hunt
      • Advertising
      • Submit Your Event
  • Blog
  • About Me
    • Contact
    • Subscribe to our List Serves!
    • Press Page - Travel
    • Hire Me!
    • DIY Hair Inspo!
    • Privacy Policy & Disclaimers
  • Family Travel + Momcations
  • Membership
  • NJ / NY Guides
    • Day Trips & Weekend Getaways from NYC
    • Hudson Valley >
      • Day Trips & Activities
    • Bay Ridge Families >
      • Life in NYC >
        • Brooklyn
        • Bronx
        • Manhattan
        • Queens
        • Staten Island
      • Summer Camp Guide
      • Birthday Party Guide
      • Classes & Activities for Babies & Toddlers
      • Halloween Guide
      • Holiday Guide
      • Scavenger Hunt
      • Advertising
      • Submit Your Event

How to Plan the Perfect Family Vacation to Mexico

7/4/2024

8 Comments

 
Contributed post.
How to Plan the Perfect Family Vacation to Mexico - US Japan Fam - Chichen Itza

​Thinking about taking the whole fam on a trip south of the border? Awesome choice! Mexico’s got it all - stunning beaches, ancient ruins, and don’t even get me started on the food. (Mmm, tacos…) Let’s dive into planning your dream family getaway.


When to Go

The First thing we should talk about is timing. Mexico’s weather can be a bit tricky, depending on where you’re headed. Here’s a quick rundown:
​
  • Winter (December-April): Perfect beach weather, but crowds galore
  • Summer (May-October): Hot and humid, with a chance of hurricanes on the coasts
  • Fall (September-November): Ideal temps, fewer tourists​

Pro tip:

If you can swing it, September and October are sweet spots for great weather and smaller crowds.


Where to Stay

Alright, now for the fun part - picking your home away from home! Mexico’s got options for every family and budget:

  • All-inclusive resorts: Perfect for stress-free vacations (hello, kids’ clubs!)
  • Vacation rentals: More space and a kitchen to whip up meals
  • Boutique hotels: For a taste of local flavor

Here’s a handy table to help you decide:
Accommodation Type
Pros
Cons
All-inclusive resorts
Hassle-free, lots of activities
Can be pricey, less authentic
Vacation rentals
Space, kitchen, local feel
More planning required
Boutique hotels
Unique experience,
​personal touch
Fewer amenities for kids
What to Do

Now, let’s talk activities! Mexico’s packed with family-friendly fun:
  1. Beach bumming: Build sandcastles, splash in the waves, or try snorkeling
  2. Explore ancient ruins: Climb pyramids at Chichen Itza or Tulum
  3. Water parks: Perfect for cooling off on hot days
  4. Eco-adventures: Zip-line through jungles or swim in cenotes
  5. Cultural experiences: Visit local markets or take a cooking class

Don’t forget to check out some tours to Mexico for hassle-free exploring!

Packing Essentials

Alright, it's time to stuff those suitcases! Here’s what you shouldn’t forget:
  • Sunscreen (lots of it!)
  • Insect repellent
  • Reusable water bottles
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Light, breathable clothing
  • Swimsuits and beach gear
  • Any necessary medications

And maybe leave a little room for souvenirs, yeah?

Safety First

I know, I know - not the most exciting topic. But it’s important, especially when traveling with kiddos. Here are some quick tips:
  • Stick to bottled water (even for brushing teeth)
  • Use reputable transportation services
  • Keep an eye on your belongings
  • Have copies of important documents
  • Check travel advisories before you go

Budget-Friendly Tips

Vacations can get pricey, but there are ways to stretch your pesos:
  1. Travel during shoulder season for better deals
  2. Eat where the locals eat (it’s usually tastier anyway!)
  3. Mix free activities with paid excursions
  4. Look for family discounts on tours and attractions
  5. Consider staying in less touristy areas

Getting Around

Exploring a new country with kids in tow can be… interesting. Here are your options:
  • Taxis: Convenient but can add up
  • Public transportation: Cheap but potentially crowded
  • Rental car: Freedom to explore, but watch out for different driving rules
  • Tours: Let someone else handle the logistics

Language Basics

Knowing a few Spanish phrases can go a long way:
  • “Hola” - Hello
  • “Gracias” - Thank you
  • “Por favor” - Please
  • “¿Dónde está…?” - Where is…?
  • “Cuánto cuesta?” - How much does it cost?

Your kids might even pick up some new words - how cool is that?

Food Adventures

Oh man, Mexican food. It’s way more than just tacos (though those are pretty amazing). Here are some family-friendly dishes to try:
  • Quesadillas: Can’t go wrong with cheese and tortillas
  • Tamales: Steamed corn dough with various fillings
  • Paletas: Fruity popsicles perfect for hot days
  • Churros: Fried dough sprinkled with cinnamon sugar

Just a heads up - some dishes can be spicy, so ask before ordering for the kiddos.

Embrace the Culture

Last but not least, don’t forget to soak in the vibrant Mexican culture:
  • Visit local markets
  • Attend a festival if there’s one happening
  • Listen to mariachi music
  • Watch traditional dances

It’s these experiences that’ll stick with your family long after the vacation’s over.

The Bottom Line

​
And there you have it! Your guide to planning an unforgettable family trip to Mexico. Remember, the key is to relax and go with the flow. After all, it’s about making memories with your loved ones. So pack those bags, brush up on your Spanish, and get ready for an amazing adventure. ¡Buen viaje!
8 Comments

Family Reunion at Crown Paradise Club Puerto Vallarta

3/11/2016

19 Comments

 
Each year we spend a good chunk of time and money going to my hometown to visit our family. My sister's family comes in from Montreal and mine from NYC. All of us are avid travelers and wanderlusters, so we sat down last year and unanimously agreed that we would start taking trips somewhere new rather than just going home, as much as budget allows.
This year marked our first attempt and it was, in a word, A-MAY-ZING!!! As word spread of our exciting plans, extended family jumped in and we ended up with a group of 19 adults and children joining from USA, Canada, and Japan!! And the location? Puerto Vallarta, Mexico!
Our requirements were:
  • all-inclusive (no one wanted to cook, LOL)
  • kids' club for our 3 year old (most are only for ages 4+, so this was a tough one)
  • not crazy expensive
  • direct flights from NYC and Montreal
  • ​avoiding east coast caribbean seaweed crisis
  • kid & baby-friendly (have cots / cribs / pack 'n plays)
Meeting all of our requirements was the Crown Paradise Club Puerto Vallarta. For my family of 5 (granted the 2 babies were free), one week including flights, hotel, all food and drinks, was $3,000. Awesomely budget-friendly!!


Picture
Picture
For us, 2 best things about the Crown Paradise were: 

1) Their pirate-ship themed kids' pool, featuring a bunch of water slides (9?), which was SOOOOOO much fun for the kids and adults!
Picture
2) Their kids' programs. They have a "Baby Paradise" where you can drop off kids ages 18 months - 4 years, for free!! Unfortunately our son lasted all of 5 minutes in there before our pager went off and we had to run back to pick up our sobbing child. Ugh. Apparently another child wanted to share, and ours did not... But he did love the little ride-in car we got to borrow from them. He was riding in style around the resort!! They also have a "Kids Paradise" for kids ages 4-12, and this was great. During the day the leaders would walk around the pools collecting kids for games and contests, and in the evenings they had "parties" the kids could attend while parents went off to have romantic child-free dinners.
Also amazing was the food. Their buffet was great, TONS to choose from and even a kids' buffet corner. They had 3 a la carte restaurants which were great (Italian, Asian, and French), but a bit annoying because you have to call a day ahead, from your room, to make a reservation.
A la carte French and Italian restaurants at Crown Paradise Club Puerto Vallarta - YUM!!!
The beach was beautiful, though I'm not much of an ocean girl. Some of our party did the free kayaking, and my hubby and his family paid extra for parasailing!! It was really exciting to watch, maybe I'll get the guts to actually do it next time!
Beach fun at Crown Paradise Club Puerto Vallarta
The rooms were nothing special, but they were clean and ours had a nice balcony with views of 2 pools and the beach. I enjoyed nursing my babies out there while people watching!! We got 2 complimentary pack 'n plays for our girls, and there was plenty of room to fit them, but they were very dingy and disappointing. Our babies are only 5 months so clean sheets fitted over the mat was fine, but if they had been older and standing and chewing on the rail of the beds, yikes, I would have been really upset... So, if this sounds like your situation you may want to consider bringing along your own baby bed (like a blow up Dock a Tot perhaps).
Our balcony view from Crown Paradise Club Puerto Vallarta
The free nightly entertainment was also a bit disappointing. First off because it was not quite the level of professionalism and excitement as I was expecting, but also because it was so late. Most shows didn't start til 9, and after bringing all the kids to 2 shows I quickly realized it wasn't worth it. For the rest of the week we all went back to the room after dinner, nursed the babies, and were in bed by 9pm.​

The only other negative thing at all I have to say about the resort was that several underwater steps in the kids' multi-level water park were no longer marked. I tripped going up and down steps that I didn't see, and I witnessed several children unexpectedly going under water because they missed steps down. We had water wings on our toddler and he was never out of reach, but this seemed a bit dangerous. Also, there were no life guards. So, long story short, please keep a close eye (or hand) on your kids if they're not very good in the water. 
​
US-Japan Fam's family reunion at Crown Paradise Club Puerto Vallarta
If you start getting antsy to get out on some adventures, there are TONS of excursions you can book right from the hotel (and if you have the time to sit through time share spiels, you can free excursions or other goodies). We did a full-day city/tequileria/jungle tour which was pretty cool, but I would have been 100% fine with just staying on the resort property for the full week! With all of our family with us, they were so helpful with watching the babies while we swam or ate, it was so relaxing and one of the most amazing vacations of my life... so far!! I really hope we can visit the Cancun location of Crown Paradise sometime soon!!!
Here's a video montage of our stay in Puerto Vallarta, enjoy! We sure did!!!
Picture
19 Comments
    US Japan Fam on Facebook
    US Japan Fam on Instagram
    US Japan Fam on Twitter
    US Japan Fam on YouTube
    US Japan Fam on Pinterest
    Picture
    My Amazon Storefront
    US Japan Fam on TikTok
    Follow on Bloglovin
    Contact Me!
    Picture
    shop my Amazon storefront

    RSS Feed

    Picture

    About  ME:

    I'm a NYC metro area mom blogger living in NJ with my Japanese husband & our 3 kids (twins + 1), focusing on fun and honest product and travel reviews, helping busy parents find the best for their families! Find what you need in the menu bar or search section above!

    Legit Ways To Make Money From Home - a stay at home mom's guide to working from home

    USFamilyGuide.com

    Parent Reviewers Directory Listing

    Categories

    All
    All Inclusive Resorts
    Baby
    Babywearing
    Babywise
    Bay Ridge
    Bilingual
    Birth Story
    Breastfeeding
    Childbirth
    Cleaning
    Co-sleeping
    Crystal Springs Resort
    Family Friendly Hotels
    Fashion
    Female Solo Travel
    Fitness
    Giveaway
    Guest Post
    Hair Dye
    Healthy Living
    Home
    Hudson Valley
    Hypnobabies
    International Family Vacations
    Interracial Marriage
    Japan
    Japan Travel
    Jet Programme
    Kids Activities
    Lancaster
    Learn Japanese
    Long Haul Flights
    Maternity Leave
    Mexico Vacation
    Momcation
    Mommy Nearest
    Motherhood
    Multigenerational Family Vacations
    Multingenerational Travel
    New Jersey
    New York
    Pregnancy
    Review
    Road Trips
    School
    Sleep Training
    Sponsored Post
    Stay At Home Mother
    Technology
    Theater
    Theme Parks
    Toddler Faves
    Toddlers
    Toys
    Travel
    Tri State Area Travel
    Twin Pregnancy
    Twins
    Unique Accommodations
    Vaccination
    Vlog
    Weaning
    Weightloss
    Woodloch
    YouTube / Social

    Archives

    June 2025
    May 2025
    April 2025
    March 2025
    February 2025
    January 2025
    December 2024
    November 2024
    October 2024
    September 2024
    August 2024
    July 2024
    June 2024
    May 2024
    April 2024
    March 2024
    February 2024
    January 2024
    December 2023
    November 2023
    October 2023
    September 2023
    August 2023
    July 2023
    June 2023
    April 2023
    March 2023
    February 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    June 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    December 2012

Proudly powered by Weebly