Last Updated on June 14, 2022
A vacation can easily go wrong, especially when visiting a place for the first time. If you are planning a trip to Los Cabos, there are some common vacation mistakes you can avoid, find them in the following article.
A good trip is all about the prior decisions you take when planning your trip. There’s no point in experiencing worst-case scenarios when taking a trip to a beautiful location like Los Cabos, right? Instead, you want to make every moment count.
If you’ve never been to Los Cabos before, you must know that the place is better known for being the heaven of Mexico. The reason is simple: every kind of traveler will be satisfied here. From its incredible diversity of landscapes to its delicious food, luxury spas for relaxation, wild adventure activities, and exciting nightlife.
Before we jump into our list, it is important to note something. The pandemic has made every corner of the world a bit different, and Los Cabos is no exception to that. Still, it remains a paradise in the new normal of the world today.
Being able to travel again with less strict restrictions is by far one of the best things of post covid time, that’s why if you are planning your next trip to Los Cabos, nothing should get in the way of you having the perfect getaway.
Here are 10 things that can ruin your trip to Los Cabos, avoid them and your trip will go smoother and hassle-free.
- Not being aware of the updated Covid situation
In the past few years, there have been many changes in Los Cabos due to COVID-19. Luckily, today Mexico remains open to travelers and COVID restrictions are less strict than they once were.
Being aware of the current COVID Status can save you a lot of trouble on arrival. Here’s what you need to know before you go.
Let’s start with the best news. Since March 2022, you are not required to quarantine, present a negative COVID-19 test result, or be vaccinated to travel to Los Cabos, Mexico. However, vaccinated and unvaccinated passengers might be subject to health screenings, including temperature checks on arrival.
What you should be aware of is that you will probably need a negative covid test or any documentation of recovery on departure to your countries of origin, like the USA or Canada.
At the airport, you will be asked for these documents, either in paper form or electronic form, so be prepared and check with your airline in advance about the documents you might need.
How do Los Cabos hotels handle Covid?
On arrival, most resorts ask guests to fill out health questionnaires, and before your departure, you can check with your hotel about the on-site testing, since many resorts include this service for your comfort.
- Choosing the wrong activities & tours
When it comes to trips, everyone has a different taste and their own idea of what they expect their trip to be like, and what they are not willing to have on their vacations.
The problem when you visit a new place is that you let other people, including the media, influence you on what tours to take, what activities to do, or what places to visit. What you should do is ask yourself: What do I really want this trip to be like when I look back?
Certainly, Los Cabos does not disappoint when it comes to fun activities and breathtaking sceneries to visit. You just have to take some time prior to your trip to think about what kind of activities you’d like to do in such a magical place like Los Cabos.
It is tempting to take a seat in the first restaurant or bar you encounter, or take the first tour offer that is presented to you upon arrival, but a little research can lead to a more authentic experience in Los Cabos. You would be making a big mistake if you missed the real deal.
If you are interested in exploring the city’s top restaurants and the culture deeply, VIP Transportation can take you on a private insight tour. However, if you are ready to step out of your comfort zone and want to try some more extreme activities, like a bike adventure across Los Cabos, a sailing trip, or a camel ride, VIP can take you to these and more exciting adventures in Los Cabos, including Whale watching, Camel ride, Sailing across the ocean, and more.
- Never leaving the Resort
Who would want to leave a beautiful beachfront resort and nice pool bar in Los Cabos, México? We know that staying there during your whole vacation can be tempting, but you’ll regret it once you know all things you missed and all the fun you could have had outside your hotel.
The point here is that the perfect trip should be about balance. It’s okay to enjoy the comfort and rest that your amazing resort can provide you, but without missing all the adventure and rich culture that Los Cabos has to offer. After all, you have already been confined at home for way too long.
Los Cabos is a place for all kinds of people, adventure-seekers, nature explorers, water sports enthusiasts, foodies, and party lovers. Amazing experiences are waiting outside your resort, like visiting the iconic Arch, exploring the luxurious Marina of Cabo San Lucas, tasting delicious local gourmet dishes, having a close encounter with lovely whales, playing golf in world-class courses, taking an ATV ride in the desert, discovering local art galleries and artists, and so much more.
- Not experiencing the local culture
Another traveling mistake that can be linked to not leaving your resort is not opening your mind to the real Mexican culture and people.
Forget about any expectations or prior knowledge about the country, and give Los Cabos the chance to surprise you. What will make this trip really unforgettable is living completely new experiences, and that can only happen if you open your mind to intercultural exchange with natives, and let your adventurous side come out a little bit.
The local community in Los Cabos is very open, warm, and willing to share with tourists from all over the world, so you’ll have no trouble connecting with them.
- Overpaying for goods and services
When traveling, one thing to keep in mind is that you should NEVER book or purchase the first service or item you see, whether it be tickets, accommodation, or souvenirs. Not comparing prices before buying can really ruin your budget and therefore your trip.
When you don’t have too much time to plan your trip in advance, you might be tempted to choose the first option that is presented to you without checking others first, but you are smarter than that! Taking a little time to search on the web and contact those services by yourself can give you the best deal possible. There are even search engines that can do a comparison between hotels and flights for you.
You can make the most out of your trip’s budget and have a genuine experience. All you have to do is avoid the hassle and stay away from some sellers who want to take advantage and give you a higher price for being a tourist.
So, always remember to ask around and don’t feel committed to staying with the first option, the second or third option can offer you better prices and even more variety.
- Not getting the best exchange rate
Continuing with the point above, traveling is expensive enough, and you definitely don’t want to ruin your trip by spending more money than you have to. Getting an unfair exchange rate is a common mistake that people traveling for the first time to Los Cabos tend to make.
This is how currency exchange works in Los Cabos. The local currency is pesos, although many establishments take dollars, it is best for you to have pesos with you for two reasons.
- Paying with the local currency can help you save money
For example, a taxi ride would cost you $6, or 60 pesos, which is equivalent to $5.
- Using pesos is seen as a sign of respect for Mexicans
Same as learning how to say some words in Spanish, paying with the local currency can be a way of emerging yourself into the culture.
How to get the best exchange rate in Los Cabos?
It is well known that most airports have the worst currency rate, and of course, that is your first option when you arrive at your destination. So, if you must use pesos to pay something upon arrival, exchange as little as possible until you can find a better option.
Another way of exchanging non-Mexican currency is at a casa de cambio; however, you will probably find better exchange rates at ATMs.
If you decide you want to use U.S. dollars instead, we advise you to have bills smaller than $20, and that those bills are clean and not too worn. Local businesses might or might not accept them, it is up to them, and how discreet they can be.
7. Not choosing the right town for you: Cabo San Lucas or San José del Cabo
Most first-time visitors of Los Cabos don’t know that this paradise-like region consists of two towns: Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo.
Each of these two towns has its own magic and you’ll have fun in either one, but there are some apparent differences that make people battle over which one they prefer. That’s why not choosing the town that meets your expectations of the ‘ideal kind of trip’ could ruin your vacation a little bit.
Here’s what you need to know about the two towns in order to pick your favorite one and have a more enjoyable trip.
Cabo San Lucas, known by tourists like ‘Cabo’, is distinguished by its exciting nightlife, a luxury marina, and bustling downtown. Here you’ll also find the famous Arch located in the Land’s End. Cabo San Lucas is a great choice if you want an active and adventurous trip.
While San José del Cabo is a more relaxed, cultural, and traditional town with Mexican charm. You’ll find beautiful art galleries, golf courses, scenic walking paths, and natural beauty, including an estuary that hosts birds and other wildlife. This town will provide you with a calm and nice getaway.
If you’d like to have both types of experiences on your trip, you can always go from one town to the other and enjoy the best of both worlds on your vacation. The distance between them is only 20 minutes, so go ahead and have fun!
8. Traveling during peak season
Before you buy your plane ticket you need to make sure that you are picking the most appropriate time of the year for traveling to Los Cabos. Otherwise, it might not be as smooth and relaxing as you imagined.
Traveling during peak season can be a mistake for two reasons, the first one is because you’ll find crowds of people everywhere you go, like inside your resort, or at the airport, not to mention long lines to enter tourist attractions, and packed beaches.
A second reason is that prices are double what they are in the low season. Think about this, The Arch, fantastic resorts, and Los Cabos’ restaurants aren’t going anywhere, so why not go when you can enjoy the same places for less money and even have a better time?
When is a good time to travel to Los Cabos?
The ideal time to visit Los Cabos is from May to June, right after the Spring Break and before the rainy season, and in October, just after the rainy season but before Thanksgiving and Christmas.
During this time you’ll find better deals on flights, hotels, and tours. Another advantage is that places don’t get so crowded, with the exception of fishing tournaments in October.
9. Not hiring a shuttle service in advance
Los Cabos International Airport is the sixth busiest airport in Mexico. The outside of the airport is not exactly the nicest place for tourists to be around, especially when you’ve never been there before, you can get a little lost.
If you don’t have a private shuttle service booked in advance, you might experience a not-so-pleasant arrival at Los Cabos, here’s why.
The outside of Los Cabos International Airport is usually crowded with a big number of tourists passing through. During the Covid era, being so close to a multitude of people is not the best scenario for your health, although there are fewer restrictions and preventative measures in place in Los Cabos, that doesn’t mean you don’t have to look after yourself.
Another issue that can occur when you don’t have a private shuttle service is that you’ll probably encounter some annoying airport hustlers. They might try to give you a sales pitch for a tour or convince you to go with them in their particular vehicle. You might also end up taking a very expensive taxi to go to your hotel.
These are not your safest or most affordable options. That is why we advise you to book private transportation from home. VIP Transportation Los Cabos guarantees that you will arrive at your hotel safely and comfortably, in a sanitized luxury vehicle, and best of all, at an affordable price.
To start your trip on the right foot, you must have the most reliable transportation service in Los Cabos. One with a friendly and bilingual driver who waits for you inside the airport, so that you don’t have to deal with sharks or any other strangers that come up to you.
VIP Transportation Los Cabos has all that to offer and more! You and your fellow travelers will be treated as first-class, your car will have cool beers and water included, and you’ll have a luxury ride in a new vehicle you can pick when booking online. Vehicles are completely sanitized, so you don’t have to worry about anything.
Another advantage of having VIP Transportation Los Cabos as your private shuttle service is that they will do everything possible to make you feel comfortable and like at home. VIP Transportation gives its clients a warm welcome to México, drivers have a great work ethic, and they focus on being responsible and very friendly, but at the same time professional.
VIP Transportation Los Cabos also offers to drive you back to the airport on your return home, so you can cross that off from your to-do list. Book your private transportation here.
VIP Transportation Los Cabos is certified by Trip Advisor; here are some tourist’s thoughts on VIP Transportation Los Cabos’ service for you to have as reference:
*Updated reviews*
“Was very pleased with transportation service. Travel with my children and they made everything so easy, and pleasant, and even had a car seat installed for my toddler. Would definitely use them again when we return.”
“From booking, pick up and drop off, everything was easy with VIP. They are affordable, friendly, responsive, and efficient providing a great ride from SJD to your hotel, and back. I was in a Suburban that was clean and comfortable. I would gladly hire VIP again the next time I visit San Jose del Cabo and surrounding areas.”
10. Getting sick or intoxicated during your trip
Imagine arriving at the location of your dreams and having to spend all your vacation locked in your hotel room feeling sick. You wouldn’t want that to happen to you, here is some information about getting sick in Los Cabos and how to avoid it.
On one hand, the chances of contracting COVID-19 or Omicron during your trip are fairly moderate. Even if you’re vaccinated, it can still be a possibility.
There are a few things you can do to avoid these and other viruses from ruining your trip: Get a viral test before you travel (no more than three days), wash your hands often, use alcohol wipes or bring a container of antibacterial gel. Also, it is important that you get enough sleep, and reduce the amount of stress prior to your trip in order to have a strong immune system.
On the other hand, you should protect your stomach and watch out for what you eat and drink if you want to avoid getting sick in Los Cabos.
In Los Cabos, some food tends to be spicier than in the rest of the world
So, be careful with the amount of spice in the local food you eat. Also, check what you are eating, because it could make you feel sick and ruin all your plans. You can avoid getting intoxicated by always drinking bottled water because the regular water could bring some bacteria and upset your stomach.
All these tips will not only save you from accidentally ruining your trip, but also they will make your experience in Los Cabos even more pleasant than what it naturally already is.
