I planned a 5-day vacation to Cabo San Lucas for $700 including flights - here's exactly how I did it
1. I bought my tickets early
I purchased my airline tickets two months ahead of time for $100 one way from Los Angeles to Los Cabos via United. For the other leg, I used 17,500 United MileagePlus frequent flyer miles.
2. We used Airbnb and bought groceries
Half of our group rented an Airbnb near the popular Medano Beach, while the other half (myself included) booked a suite at the Villa La Estancia Los Cabos, which cost $400 per person for four nights.
To save money, we utilized the kitchen at the Airbnb for our meals. We hopped in the rental car (paid for with Hertz points) and went to the local Walmart to stock up. We split the grocery costs between the 10 of us, and it came out to $20 per person for the five days.
3. We walked to the beach
Villa La Estancia is within walking distance to scenic Medano Beach, which is one of the most popular and bustling beaches in the area. We lay out on the sand and ordered empanadas for lunch ($2 each) from sidewalk vendors.
4. We even took a yacht charter
We took a three-hour yacht charter with Seashine Adventures, which included an open bar, private chef, snorkeling near the iconic Los Arcos, a paddle board, and a kayak. The cost was $1,500, split between the 10 of us.
5. I fit in a spa day
I decided to unwind and check out the offerings at my resort's spa after a hot, three-mile morning run around the hotel grounds. The day pass for resort guests was an affordable $35. The hydrotherapy circuit included a sauna, Jacuzzi, and a eucalyptus steam room in a beautiful marble-clad and natural light setting.
6. Our sushi dinner was cheaper than expected
We took a break from communal cooking at the hotel and treated ourselves to a sit down dinner at a new sushi spot, Nik-San, planted in the middle of downtown Los Cabos. We shared tasty dishes like the sashimi salad, pan-fried spicy fish, and sake nigiri in a dimly lit and chic setting. Each of us paid about $20.
7. We partied
We bar-hopped along the downtown Cabo San Lucas tourist district, a two-block stretch surrounding Plaza Bonita which has plenty of bars and lounges that play music ranging from salsa to American hip-hop. Our large group was attractive to promoters, who stood at the doors and ushered us in. Many of them offered free house shots, so we rarely had to buy drinks.
8. My pre-flight snack was $10
Before catching our flight home, we stopped by the El Merkado market, which is 20 minutes from the airport. At the market, vendors served up big tortillas with vegetables inside and beers from a local microbrewery. I spent about $10 for a pre-flight snack.
Next Story
Microfinance
One of Two and a half men Charlie Sheen back on TV, as himself
As road & rail projects gather steam, cap good companies set for a decadal growth opportunity
Network18 group to merge TV, digital news businesses
Electric eels have the ability to mutate other creatures just by shocking them!
