Around 35 million people travel to vacation in Mexico every year, congratulations on being one of them!
Even if you have been there before, things change and every trip is different. It’s important before you travel to do some research so you have a good idea of what to expect before you get there.
Here is a guide to the top 10 things you should know before going to Mexico.
1. Don’t Drink The Water
Don’t drink the water and don’t use ice cubes while traveling from the US or Europe to Mexico. Also, make sure you try not to use tap water for brushing your teeth and be careful when showering.
This is the number one thing to know before going to Mexico.
This can result in you getting very sick which can ruin your whole vacation.
It is worth it to look into buying bottled water that is safe to consume.
2. Get Around for Cheap
While you are in Mexico, think about taking a bus to get around the cities.
This is one of the best Mexico travel tips because the buses are inexpensive to use. They are also a great way to sight-see your way through Mexico.
The bus stops at many popular tourist locations and areas around markets.
You can also choose to ride in first class with added conveniences like movies, air conditioning, and even reclining seats. The bus system is a clean and trustworthy method of transportation and should be safe to use during your vacation.
You should be able to save some money by choosing to use this public transportation instead of a private taxicab.
3. Knowing Spanish Travel Phrases When Going to Mexico is Important
Although many people can speak and understand English in Mexico, knowing some Spanish travel phrases might be useful in certain situations.
Spanish is the main language that the local people speak in Mexico so being able to get your point across to vendors, transportation drivers, and waiters is important.
Another tip for your Mexican vacation would be to always keep an English to Spanish dictionary on hand so that you can quickly look up words or phrases as needed.
4. Dress Appropriately
The average temperature in Mexico is a hot 83 degrees and very humid. Take a page out of the local’s book and wear long garments breathable fabric like cotton or linen.
This is especially true if you plan to take your Mexican vacation during the summer months. Remember, lighter colors like white or beige because dark colors absorb more heat.
Natural fabrics like cotton or linen keep you cool, unlike synthetic material which tends to keep heat close to the body.
5. Know When to Travel
Mexico gets extremely busy during the winter months especially during the holiday season like Christmas and New Years.
This is because people want to escape their own cold weather from up north and vacation where it is warm during the winter.
It is the cheapest to travel to Mexico from around the middle of spring to fall. Always consider the possibility of a hurricane when you are traveling to the Mexican coast during June through November.
6. Watch out for the Tourist Traps
Because Mexico has a lot of tourists that vacation there every year, they are also known to have quite a few tourist traps.
Be diligent and alert when walking around and choosing things to do.
It is common for people to approach you and try to sell you goods or tempt you with deals that are too good to be true. Don’t always trust these strangers and know that politely turning down these offers is probably your best bet. You might also be slightly overcharged when shopping along the street markets.
7. Acclimate to the Landscape
Mexico has a varied landscape. There are beaches, mountains, and everything in-between which can be different for many visitors.
Be prepared to possibly experience altitude sickness if you plan on visiting any of the elevated terrains of the area.
The symptoms may include a headache, dizziness, and shortness of breath. These should go away once your body is fully adjusted and acclimated to the new height.
8. Know Your Surroundings
Like any travel destination, there is some crime in Mexico’s top tourist destinations.
Always be careful and mindful of your surroundings and be cautious while traveling outside your hotel or lodging. This will help keep you safe as you travel.
You will want to have an eye on all the guests in your party at all times and remember to never leave your belongings unattended.
Drug trafficking crime and thievery are a few things to be aware of when traveling to Mexico.
9. Mexican Souvenirs
Mexico has an abundance of hand-crafted and unique souvenirs.
One of the most important things to know when traveling to Mexico is that there are many different items that make great souvenirs you possibly haven’t thought of.
Some of the most popular things to take home are coffee and tequila. Other items that also make great souvenirs are leather products, hammocks, wool blankets, Talavera pottery, Mexican cinnamon, and chocolate.
Souvenirs are definitely a great benefit of traveling.
10. Have all Your Paperwork
Make sure that you have gathered all the necessary documentation, like passports, that you will need in order to enter the country.
Keep in mind that the requirements might be different for children versus adults.
Acquiring these documents might take a few months, so plan to get these well ahead of your expected trip.
You probably won’t need Visas unless you plan on staying for extended amounts of time. You should be able to get the appropriate tourist cards when you enter the country that should work for the duration of your stay.
Have a Fun Vacation!
Now that you have done some of the research for your Mexican vacation, it’s time to start planning.
There are a lot of fun things to do in Mexico like hitting the beach, touring historical Mayan sites, going to national parks, and of course, shopping.
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