I think the college process has sapped my brain cells, and I’m not the one doing the applying! Our family vacation is in July, and I’ve been tasked with finding an international trip (but likely not Europe, as I cannot find tix that aren’t exorbitant for that timeframe) that would have us in a walkable city that we can day trips from if desired. My kids declared our trip to Oaxaca to be the best one we’d ever taken, so I’m waffling between all below:
Montreal/Quebec City
Mexico (likely San Miguel de Allende/Guanajuato/Queretaro area)
Guatemala (maybe would hit Antigua and surrounding environs? Is it overrun with English speakers? Part of the reason we liked Oaxaca is that while there were tourists–I mean, we were there–people started in Spanish with us. It had tourists but didn’t feel overly touristy, if that makes sense.)
My brain is fried, so I’m hoping someone in the CC community has mental acuity to spare and has opinions about this. Happy to share details if this isn’t enough info.
San Miguel is a seriously amazing and surprising city, it reminds me so much of Spain. It’s not that easy nor cheap to get to, however. And Mexico or Guatemala in July? No thank you. Montreal is an interesting city, however……
I vote for Europe. Not Italy, Spain or Greece, too hot. I know you said tickets to Europe were expensive, but I think if you keep checking different airlines, there are so many city choices that you could find something reasonable. I’ll bet you could get a ticket to London for the same price as those other places. Talk about an incredible walking city if you haven’t been there. We paid $40/person for tickets to the Book of Mormon. Transportation is easy, and so much to see in London, too. We took a really cheap trip there in April, a few years ago.
Montreal and Quebec City. I was in QC two years ago, it’s definitely a French feel in Old Quebec, where we stayed. I haven’t been to Montreal, but it’s close to get to and I’ve only read great things.
Hadn’t thought of that. Was going to fly to Albany and rent. I have a companion pass on southwest and air to Montreal - short flight that it is - is over $600 a person.
And there’s falls outside Quebec that require a car.
I’ll check into that though.
What’s a realistic time for the two cities ? Is a week too much ? Was thinking early September. Is that too late ?
Quebec City and Montreal would be my vote also. You will feel like you are in Europe while in Quebec City…it’s really charming, in my opinion. Montreal is an urban place but has so many wonderful things to do.
If it were me, I’d go to one first, then train to the other.
I’d fly to Montreal and do my tourist things there, then train to Quebec City…and maybe rent a car there.
I can’t think of any reason to include a drive from Albany on this trip.
Saving about $1k. That’s why. It’s the closest Southwest Airlines city to Montreal. My wife flies for $11.20 round trip as I have a companion pass this year. And the air is much much less.
Parking and driving in Montreal is a zoo. And expensive. If you are going to drive from Albany, I’d return the car as soon as you get to Montreal and then stick to public transportation and walking. If you need to go back Albany, re rent the car just for the drive back (although I don’t know how that works internationally).
Time is money. These days whenever possible we fly direct- no plane changes or layovers if we can help it (we have one upcoming itinerary change in ICN and I am a bit concerned, but thats another story). Driving in Quebec, IIRC, is a PITA, and by the time one potentially pays for hotel parking (which can be pricey) and/or other parking for a rental car (cost of that??) , it adds up. Canada is my vote, OP, but fly direct into one of your 2 cities and don’t waste time and money driving from the US. The line to cross at the border could also be long and more wasted time. Just, no.
I’d vote for Mexico every time over the others. Id vote for Guatemala next.
Montreal, is nice, fine for a weekend, not much more. I’m sure you’ll enjoy it but to me, it doesn’t give you a real sense of being in a different culture.
Guatemala is really interesting but if your plan is to only see Antigua and Lake Atitlan, you are really missing out by not seeing Tikal. If you want to feel that you are living in an Indiana Jones movie, go there for sure. You can take a short flight from Tikal to Antigua I think, and I would recommend that because it’s a long, hairy bus ride otherwise.
Mexico has so much more to offer than either of the others, IMO. It’s a big country though. I personally love Mexcio City and think it’s one of the best cities I have ever been to. I can’t comment on your other destinations, but I’ve heard good things about them and I am 100% sure there will not be herds of tourists. In the area your consideration, I think this place is a must. It looks fabulous. 2025 Full Day Tour in Tolantongo from San Miguel Allende (San Miguel de Allende)
I highly recommend Merida and the Yucatan peninsula if you haven’t formally decided.
I seriously doubt you will find swarms of tourists in either Guatemala or Mexico. However, it will be hot. Guatemala was okay in the heat though. We went in the middle of summer and survived just fine.
No. Why? I think there was a time when Mexico City was not particularly safe, a long time ago, afaik. We went there with our kids in 2022 and felt totally safe. There were police everywhere. Funnily enough, since our trip, I know tons of people who have been to Mexico City recently, and all have loved it. Apart from the usual keep your wits about you as you would in any city, there was not a moment when we felt uneasy.
As an aside, I posted here about my 2022 trip to Mexico City and the lovely mynameiswhatever, may he rest in peace, was persuaded by my write up and took a trip there with his daughter just before she went off to college. They had a great time.
Anyway, my son and his girlfriend went to Yucatan, Riviera Maya area for a week in September and felt totally safe. My daughter is in Yucatán, right now, having an absolute blast. Yes, they are both aware that there can be criminals in these areas, as there can be anywhere that a lot of tourists go.
The most unsafe place I’ve ever been is the London Underground. I’ve had my pockets picked there twice. It’s heaving with tourists and gangs of professional pickpockets. I was in London in December and kept my bag strapped to my body under my coat. And then I just got on with it and had a nice time.
Hmmm. I don’t know. I guess if you’re staying at the Ritz Carlton in Condesa and you’re flashing a big Rolex and Christian LeBoutin shoes, maybe you could be concerned. Or maybe it’s just corporate policy for big companies and visiting big wigs. We literally saw huge trucks of cops all over and in the old town. One night we went to Lucha Libre which is in a big arena. There were tons of people all over the streets, and it was a fun atmosphere. Never felt unsafe.
Timely post for me. We’ve gone to Mexico past two winters, stayed at all-inclusive hotels (Nuevo Vallarta, Playa del Carmen). Felt pretty safe in that protected enviroment but also ventured out elsewhere (with tours and taxis). This year I’m feeling more leery, worried over how US policy seems to changes so quickly during presidential switchover. Husband thinks I’m too cautious, and he’s probably right.