When many people think of Mexico, they immediately picture tropical beach destinations and colorful ruins. But there’s much more to this country than meets the eye. Mexico offers a fascinating blending of pre-colonial civilization with European architecture and traditions, especially in spectacular cities like Oaxaca City, Puebla and San Cristobal de las Casas. It’s also an outdoor lover’s dream, with mountains, hidden waterfalls and rivers for hiking and swimming.Read more:visitaxmx.org
A raincoat is essential, as Mexico’s weather can be quite unpredictable. Even beach locations may experience occasional showers. It’s important to stay hydrated, so bring a refillable water bottle and make sure you wear sunscreen. It’s common to see mosquitoes around Mexico, so bring bug spray too.
Traveling to Mexico: How to Stay Safe and Healthy Abroad
While crime in Mexico is low, travelers should still exercise increased caution, particularly in Sonora and Michoacan states. It’s best to travel during the day, stay on main roads, and avoid fringe neighborhoods. Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, review the Country Travel Report and have a contingency plan.
In the city of Mexico, visitors will find it helpful to bring a map or a good guidebook. The city is organized into alcaldias, which are similar to boroughs in New York. There are 16 of them, and each one has its own vibe.
It’s also a good idea to learn some Spanish before your trip, as most people in Mexico speak only Spanish. It’s super helpful to download WhatsApp, too; most locals use it exclusively, and if you don’t have a strong grasp of the language, you can copy and paste texts into a translator.…