Taking the Leap: 8 Weeks in Mexico With Two Young Kids
Let’s talk about how we came to this decision.
Last year, when we spent 10 days in La Cruz, we completely fell in love with the condo building (Zantamar) we stayed in. The town itself is very rustic, but the building is a relatively new build and has even won awards for its architectural design. We stayed on the ground floor, with a balcony that walked out onto a large green space leading to the pools and the beach. Just outside our front door was an open-air common area and a soundproof kids’ play space. Zantamar is oceanfront and has two pools for guests (and three for owners).
We originally booked our 10-day stay through Airbnb, which was fine. While we were here, I joined a local Facebook group and was introduced to a broker. With so many long-term rental scams, I was hesitant at first about who to trust. Michele, however, is very well-known and highly recommended. I chatted with her while we were here last year and ended up lining up our current unit for this winter.
The biggest factor in our cost savings is simple: the longer you stay, the cheaper it becomes. To qualify for a long-term rate, we had to book eight weeks. The cost for those eight weeks is the same as what we paid for a one-week all-inclusive vacation two years ago. Of course, we still had flights to book and everyday expenses like groceries, but my thinking was this: I have to buy groceries at home anyway — or I can buy them here, where they’re much cheaper.
Entertaining the kids at home over the winter is always a bit of a challenge. We’re busy bodies, so we’re usually out at play gyms, pools, skating, and activities — and all of those things add up quickly. By choosing to spend two months in Mexico, these are expenses we’re simply not paying at home.
As for getting around, last year we rented a car, which was convenient — especially since Connor was smaller. However, car insurance in Mexico works differently than in Canada. Our rental was about $1,500 CAD, plus a mandatory $1,500 CAD insurance fee once we arrived. This time, with Uber being widely used and highly recommended here, we decided we’d walk, Uber, or take the bus for the two months we’re here.
We also decided that I would fly down first with the kids and my mom, and Dalton would join us once we were settled. I think this was his way of avoiding flying with the kids (kidding… mostly).
We flew direct with Flair on a lovely 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. flight. I checked two bags, brought one carry-on suitcase for my camera, and we had three backpacks. We were very full. I also decided to bring the stroller — even though I never use it at home — and I was so glad I did. Flair didn’t charge me for it, and I was able to gate-check it, which made navigating the airport so much easier with all the kids’ stuff.
I booked a van to take us from the airport to the condo since we had a lot of luggage and the stroller, and I didn’t want to wait around for an Uber XL. It cost $200 CAD, but it was worth it. When we leave, we’ll just take an Uber, which should cost around $35 CAD.
We arrived safe and sound with all of our luggage, checked in with no issues, and were in the pool by 8 p.m.
I’m so excited to share the rest of this adventure with you — and to see whether, at the end of it all, this becomes something we continue to do… or something we decide was a “never again.”
