Christmas 2016 (budget)
 

Hello all,
I need some advice on where to look for a xmas vacation this year. I know, xmas is a terrible time to travel! Everything is more expensive!! Unfortunately, it is the only time in the next year that my husband and I will have action time together (We are both grad students and I will be traveling d/t clinicals). Our closest airport is salt lake city and we would like to try to limit travel time. We were thinking about Mexico, since I have heard that there are a ton of deals. We are looking for a "sleepy" beach town... one that does not have a ton of tourists or crowded beaches. I know it is harder during the holidays... I would love to stay in a beach bungalow, but I could settle for an airbnb or condo. We love good food, surf (mellow), hiking, culture, history... I know there are a lot of gems out there, but I just don't know where to start. I think one of the biggest issues is trying to find cheaper flights where we don't have to get on a bus or get into a car for 4+ hours to get to where we are going... We would LIKE to try to keep the budget to @ 2k.
Thank you in advance.

<heard that there are a ton of deals>

Problem is there aren't deals at Christmas time. I am most familiar with Puerto Vallarta (which sounds too busy for what you seek) and I know the budget places to stay double their room rates over the two weeks of the Christmas to New Year holiday period. Plane fares are up too.

Yeah, not any deals to be had at Christmas time--lots of people head to Mexico and Central America for the holidays and the flights/hotels for the more popular destinations get priced accordingly.

Guatemala isn't really a beach destination. El Salvador is outstanding for beaches near the airport, and for price, but getting a decently priced trip without annoying connections would be the challenge.

Cancun/Riviera Maya--expensive at Christmas time.

The other "problem" with the timing of this trip is that even a "sleepy beach town" will most likely be filled to overflowing with tourists/visitors over the holidays.

While agreeing with the advice already given, I thought I'd mention that Puerto Morelos might be a better match to your interests than other towns along the Riviera Maya -- if that's on your radar.