Destination Mexico
Destination Mexico – Traveling Do’s and Don’ts
Dreaming of Mexico
Winter in Vancouver can be a little challenging with the copious rain and seemingly ever-present overcast conditions. After a while, the thought of escaping to a warmer and sunnier climate invariably crosses our minds, and dreams of sipping Mai Tais on tropical beaches draws us to our MacBooks in search of a good deal on a flight to anywhere sunny and hot! One of the most popular getaway destinations these days is Mexico and with good reason! Mexico is a diverse country that offers something for everyone.
A Mexico for Everyone
So, whether you want beaches or nightlife, rustic or modern, Aztec-ruin-adventure or all-inclusive, family-friendly or grownups only, Mexico has it all! However, before you rush to buy the next available seat to the land of tequila and salsa, it’s a good idea to know a few Do’s and Don’ts.
The Do’s
When traveling throughout Mexico, it’s a good idea to take the following “Do’s” into consideration.
- Dress To Blend In
To protect yourself from thieves or general unwanted attention, it’s a good idea to dress more like the locals. While locals in the coastal areas tend to be less conservative, in inland locales women tend to dress more conservatively, opting for more coverage like pants, skirts with T-shirts or blouses. It’s always a good idea to observe what the locals are wearing and take a page from them!
- No hablo español. ¿Habla usted inglés?
It’s always a great idea to learn a few Spanish phrases to help you get around, especially if you are in a bind! While many Mexicans can speak English, it’s best not to assume everyone will be able to, especially if you are travelling to more remote areas of the country. You’d be surprised how far a few Spanish phrases will get you! There are some great apps that you can use that will make speaking Spanish a lot easier, such as TripLingo or Microsoft Translator.
- Go With Your Gut
Nine times out of ten, your instincts are correct. If something feels “off” about an individual or a situation, it probably is. If this is the case, trust your gut and politely, but assertively, remove yourself from the situation.
The Don’ts
- Don’t Drink Tap Water!
Nothing ruins a vacation like a bad case of Montezuma’s Revenge! The best way to avoid this is by steering clear of tap water. However, often people forget to check if the ice in their drinks is from tap water or not. The best way to avoid any chance of getting sick from the water is to drink only bottled water and ask for “no ice” in your beverages.
- Leave the Valuables at Home
Avoid being a target of theft by leaving your valuable jewelry and technology at home. While we understand that you want to look good on vacation, it’s best to leave the diamonds and gold at home and opt for costume jewelry instead. If you insist on bringing your expensive SLR camera, just be sure to hide it safely when taking transit or walking around in crowded places.
Stay Tuned!
Stay tuned for part 2 of our Mexico Do’s and Don’ts, coming soon! We hope your Mexican vacation is fun-filled and safe!
