Vacations: the unattainable luxury for Mexicans

In the collective imagination, vacations are a right, a necessary respite, a reward for long workdays. However, for millions of Mexicans, the dream of a few days away from home is increasingly an unattainable privilege. Although the tourism industry reports record numbers in destinations like Cancún, Los Cabos, and Vallarta, the reality is that most Mexicans don't go on vacation or do so on budgets that barely allow them to disconnect. According to data from the Ministry of Tourism and INEGI (National Institute of Statistics and Geography), only 56% of Mexican households took at least one leisure trip in 2023. In other words, almost half of the country went without a vacation. Among those who did travel, most did so within their own state or to a nearby destination, primarily due to the inability to afford transportation, lodging, and food outside their region.
A study by the consulting firm Kantar revealed that Mexicans spend an average of between 7,000 and 15,000 pesos on four-day family vacations, a figure that may seem modest, but represents up to a full month's minimum wage for many people. For those who decide to venture to iconic tourist destinations like the Riviera Maya or Baja California Sur, the average expenditure per family rises to 30,000 pesos, considering transportation, lodging, and food. The result? Indebtedness, short vacations, or, outright, canceled vacations.
Contrary to the myth that "Mexicans live for the holidays," the reality is that we have one of the lowest averages for paid vacation days in the OECD: just 12 days of vacation per year, far below the 30 days granted in countries like France and Brazil. This limits not only the ability to travel, but also the ability to plan meaningful vacation experiences that improve mental health and strengthen family ties.
Added to this is the impact of tourism inflation. Data from the Mexican Association of Travel Agencies indicates that lodging and transportation prices increased by up to 18% between 2022 and 2024, primarily due to rising fuel prices and high demand during holiday periods. Thus, domestic destinations that were previously considered "accessible"—such as Ixtapa, Acapulco, or Huatulco—are now almost as expensive as traveling abroad.
Inequality is also evident in the destinations chosen: while the middle and upper classes opt for beach resorts, trips to Disney, or getaways to Europe, lower-income Mexicans—those who manage to leave—are inclined to visit relatives in other cities or go to religious destinations like the Basilica of Guadalupe or San Juan de los Lagos, where costs can be lower if they have support networks. It's not surprising that during Holy Week or long holidays, bus stations are packed, while airports only serve a small segment.
We must not lose sight of the psychological effect: the lack of proper vacations, of truly disconnecting, generates accumulated stress that directly impacts productivity, absenteeism, and quality of life. According to the World Health Organization, Mexico is one of the countries with the highest rates of work-related stress in Latin America, and the lack of adequate rest spaces is a key factor.
In contrast, the Mexican tourism industry is experiencing a boom driven by the arrival of foreigners, while domestic tourism—which should be a driving force of regional development and social well-being—faces growing challenges. Air connectivity remains concentrated in a few airports, affordable accommodation options are scarce, and all-inclusive packages benefit transnational chains more than local communities.
If we want a more just Mexico, we urgently need a public policy that encourages domestic tourism for all social classes, with accessible loans, diverse tourism infrastructure, and campaigns that promote alternative destinations. Investing in decent vacations isn't a luxury: it's an investment in well-being, social cohesion, and mental health. And, above all, it means recognizing that the right to rest should be just that: a right, not a privilege.
Vacations should no longer be an unattainable luxury for the majority. As long as we don't address the inequality that persists in access to tourism, we will continue to be a country where travel is a dream for many and a routine for a few. More than foreign tourists, Mexico needs citizens who can also get to know and enjoy their own country.
Eleconomista