Mexico is a destination that's filled with wonder and awe for those who have never been there before. Its beaches are second to none, its authentic food satisfies cravings that people didn't even know they had, and its culture is rich and vibrant. A vacation to this unique country is nothing short of magical and for those who have experienced it before, it's often worthy of multiple vacations.
While Mexico is a dream vacation for many, as with any new country, there are some dos and don'ts that one should be aware of prior to booking their trip. While some are more of an unspoken rule, others are things that might be commonly known throughout Mexico but aren't known to its visitors.
Here's what visitors should keep in mind before their first trip to Mexico.
Dos In Mexico
Learn More Words Than You Think You'll Need
It might seem common sense for travelers to learn popular Spanish terms and phrases before a trip to Mexico, and it is. However, that doesn't mean that additional phrases don't have their place. It's easy enough to learn things like 'where is X' or 'my name is...' but many people neglect to learn additional phrases that might come in handy. The good thing about Spanish is that while the phrases remain the same, certain words can just be placed at the end of something like a question - just like English. For example, when asking where something is, travelers should also learn words such as 'bathroom,' 'hotel,' 'restaurant,' 'transportation,' etc.
Be Knowledgeable About Scams
While Mexico as a whole is safe for travelers, it is important to be aware of potential scams, as can happen with tourists in any country. It's not that difficult to pick our tourists from locals, especially when it comes to popular tourist destinations, which means anyone can become a scam victim. One well-known scam is that of an available 'timeshare' which may even come with a convincing presentation - only to be nothing more than a tactic for emptying a traveler's pockets. Never hand out personal information, and avoid any offers that pop up out of nowhere and are too good to be true.
Prepare To Change Your Mealtimes
In Mexico, it's more common to eat a huge breakfast early in the day, with lunch and dinner being smaller meals toward the evening. With that being said, some travelers might not be used to eating such a big breakfast, or any kind of breakfast at all. Obviously, this can cause one to get stomach rumbles midway through the day. While restaurants and street food are always an option, it's sometimes better to adjust to having a big breakfast in anticipation of the day's activities.
Be Sure to Pack Appropriate Attire
In Mexico's inland cities, it's more appropriate to dress modestly as opposed to its beachside destinations. The outfits one might wear in Mexico City will likely differ from those that one might wear in Cancun or Tulum, and it's good to keep this in mind. When visiting historic sites, such as temples, it's also preferred that one dresses modestly, as well.
Don'ts In Mexico
Don't Worry About Packing Half Your Closet
One of the great things about visiting Mexico is that any kind of clothing attire is easily available to eager shoppers. Many street markets sell locally-made clothing that's suitable for the beach or simply just walking around, especially for those seeking casual, breathable options. Forgot sunscreen or sunglasses? Don't worry - those are easy to find, as well.
Don't Drink Tap Water Or Any Water Without Asking
For the most part, travelers are familiar enough with Montezuma's Revenge to avoid it. Sometimes, though, it's not as easy as resorting to bottled water during the entire vacation. While this is a good practice to get into, it's also a good idea to ask one's server or bartender if the water is purified or if the ice cubes are made with bottled or purified water. Many times, it's the water in the ice cubes or the water used in uncooked dishes that can catch a traveler off-guard. And do not, under any circumstances, drink water from the tap.
Don't Assume To Know Anything About Mexico's Culture If You Don't
There are rumors about nearly every country in the world, Mexico included. Those traveling to this country for the first time should do so with an open mind and no prior assumptions. More often than not, newcomers are surprised and delighted by their Mexico vacations, and all of the colorful and adventurous experiences they can have while abroad. Stories about crime rates or an abundance of scams should not have any bearing on whether or not a person decides to visit!