If your last fare search for Cancun gave you sticker shock, you're not imagining it. Jet fuel prices jumped this year, and according to Hopper, fall fares to Mexico and Central America are running about 31% higher than last year, with Christmas fares to the region up about 23%. Airlines have also trimmed flights to Mexico, and Spirit Airlines, long a budget option for Cancun, stopped flying in May.
There's an upside, though. Fewer visitors means a quieter Akumal, and fall rental rates are some of the lowest of the year. With a little flexibility on the flight side, the math still works. Here's how we'd do it.
1. Search Both Airports: Cancun and Tulum
Akumal sits roughly midway between Cancun International (CUN) and Tulum International (TQO). Cancun is about an hour and a half away by car, and Tulum's newer airport is about an hour. Cancun has far more flights, but Tulum has nonstops from U.S. hubs such as Houston, Atlanta, and Dallas/Fort Worth. Check both every time you search.
2. Fly Into One, Out of the Other
Because Akumal is between the two airports, you don't have to fly round trip from the same one. Price two one-way tickets, landing in Cancun and leaving from Tulum or the other way around, and compare that against a standard round trip. If you're using an airport transfer instead of a rental car, the switch is easy.
3. Shift Your Dates by a Day or Two
Midweek flights are usually cheaper. Kayak's route data shows Tuesday is the cheapest day to fly from the U.S. to Cancun and Thursday is the most expensive, and The Points Guy found Tuesdays and Wednesdays to be the cheapest days for international flights this summer. Before you commit, use the date grid or price graph in Google Flights to see a whole month of fares at once.
4. Set Price Alerts, and Book Holiday Flights Now
Turn on price tracking in Google Flights or Hopper for your route and let the deals come to you. If you're traveling for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year's, don't wait. Hopper recommends booking holiday flights before Halloween this year to get the lowest prices.
5. Book a Fare You Can Change
When prices are this unpredictable, skip basic economy. American, Delta, United, Alaska, JetBlue, and Southwest all let you change standard economy fares without a fee, so if the price drops after you book, you can rebook and keep the difference as travel credit. U.S. rules also let you cancel most tickets within 24 hours of booking without a penalty, as long as you book at least a week before departure.
6. Start From a Bigger Hub
Cancun is still Mexico's busiest international gateway, and the largest U.S. hubs usually have the most nonstops and the most competition on price. If you live within driving distance of a major airport, compare flying from there with flying from home. Sometimes a two-hour drive saves more than it costs.
7. Put Your Points to Work
When cash fares climb, airline miles and credit card points go further. Check award prices before you pay cash. U.S. airlines also let you cancel most award tickets without a penalty if your plans change.
8. Pack Light and Prepay Your Bags
Bag fees add up fast, especially for a family. Pay for checked bags at least 24 hours before departure, since many airlines charge more at the airport, or travel with carry-ons only. Beach vacations pack small.
9. Stay a Little Longer
Your airfare costs the same whether you stay four nights or seven, so a longer stay spreads it out. On a $600 round-trip fare, four nights works out to $150 a night. Seven nights brings it down to about $86. And with fall rental rates below this winter's, those extra nights cost less now.
Where the Savings Really Add Up: Your Rental
Flights are only part of the bill, and this is where Akumal comes out ahead right now.
Travel in fall or early December. Fall and the weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas are some of the lowest-priced stretches of the year at our rentals, and well below winter high-season rates. Thanksgiving week is the exception. La Sirena 3, an oceanfront two-bedroom on Half Moon Bay that sleeps five, is $145 a night through Nov. 20 and again from Nov. 28 to Dec. 18, with a two-night minimum.
Split a villa. A bigger group means a smaller share. Villa Iguana on Soliman Bay sleeps 12 for $790 a night from Oct. 17 through Nov. 20, and again from Nov. 28 to Dec. 18. That's about $66 per person per night before tax, with a beachfront pool and kayaks included.
Cook a few meals. Our villas and condos come with kitchens, and that's one of the biggest savings over a resort. We ran the numbers in We Booked the All-Inclusive. Then I Did the Math on the Flight Home.
Holiday travelers, book the rental and the flight together. Holiday weeks go first and usually carry a seven-night minimum. Lock in both now so one isn't waiting on the other. See our holiday villas and our winter booking guide.
Rates are per night, before 22% tax and a damage waiver, and subject to availability.
Before You Go
Quintana Roo charges foreign visitors a state tourism fee called Visitax. Pay it only through the official state government website, since lookalike sites have charged travelers extra. Then arrange your airport transfer ahead of time, so you're on your way to the beach as soon as you land.
Your Spot in Akumal Is Waiting
Flights may cost more this year, but with a flexible search and the right rental, Akumal is still within reach. Browse our beachfront condos, villas and homes, or holiday villas, or email us at info@akumaldirect.com and we'll help you find the right place for your dates.