What You Need To Know About Travelling To Mexico
Why Travel To Mexico? There’s a huge range of things to do in Mexico, and exactly what kind of holiday you want will determine which part of the country you will visit. Fancy visiting Mayan palaces deep in the jungle? Then Palenque is for you. Like the idea of deep blue waves lapping gently at the edge of a white sandy beach whilst you sit under palm trees sipping a cocktail? Then off you go to Puerto Vallarta.
Taking a package holiday to Mexico is a civilised way to visit the undeveloped world. More and more companies are offering different types of package deals from the normal, hotel-and-excursions-ilk; several now offer holidays that let you visit less well-known towns to give some hands-on support to community or charity projects, for example.
It’s very cheap to holiday in Mexico once you’ve arrived.
When to Go: It’s quite cold during the months of November to February; hurricane season is June to November. Avoid those times if you want! Most people seem to visit in July and August.
Top Attractions: Many and varied depending on where you decide to go. Cities of the Mayans and Aztecs (e.g. at Campeche); white sandy beaches (e.g. at Quintana Roo); temples and palaces, squares and museums in Mexico City.
Beware: Hurricanes (June – November); high drug-related crime in Ciudad Juarez and many of the northern states (check Home Office website for advice before booking); Pacific Highway (prone to voilent carjackings, particularly after dark) ; malaria and dengue fever (take all mosquito-precautions possible).
Vaccinations: Malaria.
Currency: US traveller cheques are easy to exchange; UK sterling traveller cheques less so. UK bank debit and credit cards are accepted in most places including at ATMs.
Language: Outside Mexico City, very few people speak English. Learn as much Spanish as you can before you go, and take a phrase book.
Visa Requirements: Visas not required if you’re going just for a holiday, but if there’s any kind of work involved (including voluntary or charity) then you will probably need a visa so check before you travel.