This last year, to celebrate my birthday, I sent out an open invite to friends for a 5 day trip to Cabo San Lucas. I was very lucky to have 3 good friends willing to hop on a plane to party with me in another country. Traveling with new friends for the first time can be difficult, but thankfully, our group worked together seamlessly. So, here goes my recap and tips on celebrating and vacationing in Cabo San Lucas.
So let's start with the airport. Obviously have your passport ready and make sure it doesn't expire within 6 months of your trip. Flying into the Cabo airport is pretty easy. There are direct flights from San Diego airport that are pretty affordable, but whatever you do, don't fly Spirit airlines. It's cheap, yes but oh man is it a headache. You'll have to pay extra for your bags, which isn't terrible, but the problems start when you get to the airport. You have to check in an hour before your boarding time, but get there a lot earlier than that, because there will be a long line and only one person working at the counter. The flight itself is an easy and quick 2 hours.
So now you've touched down in Cabo, you'll have to walk the tarmac to the terminal, which I thought was pretty cool. Before you get outside there will be a booth to buy a taxi shuttle ticket to get you to your hotel. Stop here and get your ticket. When you get outside there will be tons of people offering to drive you, but many of these drivers take you the long round-about way to sell you on timeshares. Exit the airport and go all the way to the right to find the city shuttles ready to take you. Its about at 30 minute drive in to Cabo San Lucas.
It is important, when taking these trips on a budget, to look for deals and discounts anywhere you can. We found a Groupon to stay at the Bahia Hotel. I cannot recommend this hotel enough. It was centrally located, only a block from the beach and a few blocks from the marina and night clubs. On property, there is a great restaurant, fun lobby bar, and exquisite coffee and pastry bar in the mornings. The pool is a resort style pool with plenty of seating. Our favorite part was probably the swim up bar/ hot tub, you could find us there every morning. The four of us stayed in a double queen room. We probably could have fit two more people comfortably. It was It was so spacious, and included a small kitchen. Outside our room was a tropical hammock that we claimed as our own. I recommend that you have the hotel empty the mini fridge and go to the local store to buy water, drinks and snacks. I cannot explain how essential that is. It will save you a ton of money. Be wary of water that is not bottled, because it may get you sick. Try to stick to bottled water and non-blended drinks. Typically if you are in a large resort, they have water filtration systems, but it is to be better safe than sorry.
During the Days, Mango Deck and the Office are the places to be. Also, if you can afford to stay at the ME resort, DO IT! It is like a Vegas club, but on the beach in Cabo, Very Cool. After a quick (much needed) nap each day, we went to dinner, either at our hotel or down in the Marina. The Office was great for a beach front birthday dinner one of the days. I highly recommend surf and turf at every meal. Late night spots included the Pink Kitty, Cabo Wabo, and of course El Squid Row. The nightlife is a can't miss and I wish I could real live it to see Kyle throwing his hands up in the middle of the club and spinning in circles while he howls.
Whatever you do, don't make the same mistake I did. Our flight there was easy enough. On the flight home, we took a round about way home because it was a super cheap flight. We flew from Cabo to Mexico City, Mexico City to LAX, then LAX to Sn Diego. Between bad turbulence, our exhaustion, a language barrier and a day of traveling; our day was less than ideal. Truly and honestly, just pay the extra fifty bucks or whatever and take the direct flight. You'll thank me in the end.
Happy Travels,
Colleen
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