Tens of millions of people make their way to Mexico each year, and itβs easy to see why. Whether youβre a foodie, a history buff, or simply want to spend some time in a country with a great climate and a rich cultural heritage, Mexico can offer it all. Letβs take a closer look at all the things you need to know before you touch down in the vibrant country.
Booking Your Trip
The first consideration when booking your trip to Mexico is when youβll be traveling. The peak tourist season is between December and April when the weather is warmest, but naturally, you can expect to see higher prices during this period. On the other hand, traveling during off-peak seasons may mean fewer crowds and cheaper prices, but a compromise in terms of the weather. There’s no ‘right’ answer when it comes to making the decision – ultimately, it’s about choosing a time that works for you.
The next step is to shop around for flights. Of course, in this day and age, there are plenty of competitive airlines that offer routes to Mexico, and most commercial airports in the US and Canada will facilitate these providers.
But perhaps your first point of call should be Mexicoβs national carrier, which flies out to a whopping 40 destinations in the country. Simply enter a few details including your departure airport, intended arrival airport, dates of travel, etc., and hit ‘search’ to see if you’re able to fly with Aeromexico.
Once you’ve officially booked your flights, you’re ready to start your research for accommodation. With its global appeal and major tourist footfall, Mexico is filled to the brim with plenty of cheap backpacker hostels, both budget-friendly and high-end hotels, as well as luxury resort offerings. It depends on what works for you.
Take into consideration your budget, and the needs of your fellow travelers (e.g. young children or active explorer-type friends), and be sure to clear cookies online so that prices don’t hike up in between your scrolling.
Also, keep in mind that there are bundled packages that combine different parts of your trip, or even complete tours where everything from start to finish is covered.
Packing Essentials
Although a trip consisting of constant warm weather is possible in Mexico, the countryβs climate is quite diverse, and some parts require thoughtful clothing choices. For example, the more mountainous regions like Chihuahua in the north can get quite cold, and warm layers are a necessity. If youβre instead traveling to the more coastal locations like Isla Holbox, thatβs where youβll find the type of weather that Mexico is stereotypically known for, and where more lightweight attire will do the job.
One other clothing consideration is modesty. This is not true all over the country, but regions like Chiapas and Oaxaca are more traditional, and itβs a good idea to avoid wearing revealing clothes in these areas to respect the local culture.
Beyond clothing, all the usual personal items and travel essentials apply. Mexico uses Type A and B plugs, so make sure to grab a travel adapter if your devices use something different. If you take medication, make sure that you have enough to last your trip. Some over-the-counter medications for common travel ailments like allergies or upset stomachs could be a good idea, too.
Language and Culture
Although you can get by in most countries without speaking the local language, being able to speak it even a little Spanish whilst in Mexico could make a big difference. Similarly, understanding the nuances of local culture can enrich your experience and help you build relationships with the people that you meet.
One thing thatβs common across Mexico and Latin America is that punctuality isnβt a priority, so donβt be surprised if events or meetings start later than advertised. This can be difficult to get used to if youβre from a Western country, but itβs not a sign of disrespect at all. Itβs just a difference in culture.
Meal timing is something else that might be different than what youβre used to. If youβre an early riser, you may need to juggle around your sleeping pattern while youβre in Mexico. Dinner is often served late at around 8-10 p.m., and this can frequently extend into a lively conversation that can last well past midnight, especially in larger cities like Mexico City. As well as that, lunch is typically the main meal of the day and is usually served between 2-4 p.m.
In terms of the basics of Spanish, there are some words and phrases that are good to memorize. When youβre out at a museum or the train station, knowing that ‘Salida’ means exit and ‘Entrada’ means entrance can come in handy. In addition, simple phrases like “Hola” (Hello), “Por favor” (Please), and “Gracias” (Thank you) can be a way to show respect for the local language and to make interactions smoother.
By being well prepared, having respect for the local culture, and having an open mind, itβs hard to go wrong in Mexico. The foodβs great, the people are friendly, and youβll never run out of things to do, so why not start planning today?