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FAQs

Is Cabo safe?

Yes, Cabo is safer than most U.S. cities. There has been sporadic violence in the area over the years, none of which was directed at tourists. You wouldn't avoid all of America because there's violence in Chicago, right? I've never felt unsafe or witnessed violence in Cabo. The U.S. embassy has a list of travel warnings, and Cabo isn't one of the primary areas of concern. Border towns and cartel territories are another story.

 

Can you recommend an all-inclusive resort?

I can't. There are lots of resorts in Cabo that offer all-inclusive packages, but I can't recommend that people eat all their meals at a hotel when I know how good the restaurants are in town. Unless you get an exceptional price on an all-inclusive package at a top-rated resort in the heart of Cabo San Lucas so you're not stuck on site for all your meals, I recommend a room-only option.

 

In my opinion: if your vacation goals solely include parking yourself in a beach chair and gazing over turquoise waters while being served all the food and drinks your heart desires, you should book in the Caribbean for your next trip. If you want a more active getaway with abundant food and entertainment options, a tourist-friendly boardwalk, great shopping venues, whale-watching cruises, sportfishing, snorkeling, dozens of beaches, and some of the nicest people in Mexico, go explore Cabo.

 

What activities does Cabo offer for kids?

Most resorts have onsite entertainment staff for all-ages fun, and many have kids' clubs to keep the little ones busy. They can play games, do crafts, learn Spanish, and splash in the pool at your resort. Offsite, there are boating and sightseeing tours, shops full of sombreros and maracas, a mall with a movie theater, and a marina full of options. Take an afternoon stroll along the marina boardwalk and spot local celebrity Pancho the sea lion hitching a ride on the back of a fishing boat.

 

Can I drink the water?

I stick to bottled water for drinking. Pack an insulated Yeti bottle or two to keep drinks cold during your visit. I typically bring one for water and another to keep my margs icy. Get a large jug from Walmart or your hotel's convenience store when you arrive in town and use it to refill your bottle throughout the day. Away from the larger resorts, I'd stick to bottled water for both drinking and brushing your teeth. At Playa Grande, I've never had any issue brushing my teeth with tap water. 

 

Which beaches are swimmable?

In the core of Cabo, only Medano Beach (and only the busiest portion of it) is swimmable. Elsewhere, the rip tides and waves are too strong. On the Pacific side (Solmar and Sunset Beaches), look but don't touch. In the Corridor, Santa Maria and Chileno Beaches offer swimming and snorkeling. Don't be deterred from the Pacific beaches. They are peaceful and pristine... and vendor-free!

 

Can I stay connected while I'm there?

Probably. Most resorts offer WiFi for a daily or weekly fee. Reliability and speed vary from site to site and year to year. Cellular connectivity also varies depending on your device, carrier, and plan. Verizon's international travel plan was flawless for me during my last trip. It was usually much faster than WiFi.

 

What activities are worth a splurge?

Any of these $100+ options could take your trip from great to exceptional:

 

Cabo Sky Tours glider over Land's End
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How much money should I bring?

I typically spend around $500 USD during a weeklong visit. That covers food and drinks, cab fare, tips for maids and bellhops, souvenirs, a beach massage, a boat tour, and the return airport shuttle. If traveling with friends, I recommend coordinating a game plan (i.e., everyone uses dollars, everyone uses pesos, or people take turns paying for meals and cabs). Unless your group all has mad math skills, it's easier to go Dutch in the same currency. You also won't regret bringing lots of small bills ($1s and $5s) for cabs and tips.

Is Cabo expensive?

Generally, no. Food and drink prices at popular tourist spots are usually a little cheaper than those at bars and restaurants in most American cities. Many places have 2-for-1 drink specials, and the local taquerias have cheap, authentic cuisine. Most food portions are huge, so you can often share with your fellow travel buddies. There are many resorts and restaurants that cater to the high-roller crowd, but overall Cabo is a reasonably priced destination.

What's the dress code?

Tourists in Cabo tend to stick to a beachy casual look during the day. At the more high-end nightclubs, you'll see slightly dressier attire (and shorter skirts). I recommend leaving your stilettos at home. Roads, sidewalks, and even floors tend to be uneven. The evenings can get a little chilly since it's often a cloudless sky, so pack a light jacket or sweater.

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