How to Plan a Vacation to Mexico

Mexico is a vast country of dramatic mountain ranges, coral reefs, thick forests and white sandy beaches. To be able to pack it all in, you must be careful in your planning and know exactly where you want to go. Whether you want to sip pina coladas on the beach or explore the Aztec capital city of Teotihuacan, you'll find Mexico has something to offer for everyone.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Passport
• Mexico tourist card
• Travel guide
• Spanish dictionary
• Car insurance
• Air fare
• Bus or train ticket

Planning a Trip to Mexico

1. Obtain a passport. In recent years, the United States has instituted a passport requirement for its own citizens traveling abroad which you will need to get back into the U.S. The only requirement that Mexico has when you get to the border or fly into Mexico, is that you fill out a Mexican tourist card. This is a document stating your purpose and must be carried with you for the remainder of the trip. If you only intend to stay in Mexico for less than 72 hours or not go beyond the border zone, you do not need a tourist card.

2. Ask yourself what type of trip you want to have in Mexico. Mexico is the fifth-largest country in the Western hemisphere and because of its sheer size, you'll find a wide range of options like relaxing in a resort, hiking up ancient ruins, or checking out the architecture in large cities. Many American tourists opt for a quick trip and frequent the Baja peninsula and Tijuana. Other travelers choose Acapulco, Cancun and other beach destinations. Vacationing in the northern region tends to be less expensive than the touristy places of oceanside resorts. Get and idea of you budget before deciding where you want to go.

3. Purchase a travel guide like "Frommer's Day by Day Cancun and the Yucatan" by Bill Sunley or "Let's Go Mexico" by Laura Cava Northrop for recommended attractions, dining, hotels and activities. You can also visit http://www.visitmexico.com/wb/Visitmexico/Visi_Sobre_Mexico?show=regions for an overview of the country. If you are wandering from tourist areas, it might be a good idea to bring a Spanish dictionary or phrase book. Many people in Mexico speak English, but the further you get away from the border the more these books will help you.

4. Shop around for plane tickets. Websites like travelzoo.com, kayak.com, and orbitz.com have great deals and vacation packages. Contact your local travel agency to get more information about airfares and trips. Cars and trains will also get you into Mexico. A brief ride from San Diego on an Amtrak train will let you off at the California-Baja border and from there its a short walk. If you intend on driving to Mexico, keep in mind that you must get automobile insurance Mexico. You can get a MexiPass from http://www.mexipass.la/ to ensure your car is covered.

5. Exchange a small amount of money before coming to Mexico, but be aware it is not safe to travel with a lot of cash. There are many ATMs located in banks and supermarkets in metropolitan cities and in resorts. Smaller illages may have limited cash available in their ATMs. The American dollar is accepted only in northern cities, while the Euro is not accepted and very hard to exchange for pesos. When traveling look for supermarkets or gas stations to get a good rate of exchange. Visit http://www.mexperience.com/guide/essentials/money.htm to see what the currency looks like and print off a list of places to get money exchanged.

Tips & Warnings

• See as much as you can by renting a car. Major car rental services have agencies within Mexico. It's a good way to get a feel for the local culture.
• Bring or buy bottled water. The old myth is true about not drinking the water in Mexico. Some parts of larger cosmopolitan cities like Mexico City have a high crime rate. Never walk down streets with few people and take taxis to and from tourist destinations.

References

• Traveling Mexico
• Traveling Mexico Tips