Mexico is a popular country for tourists of all ages. Whether you’re interested in modern beach resorts, small southern villages or colonial towns, Mexico has something for everyone. The climate varies depending on what part of the country you’re going to, as does the landscape. There are lots of things to do in Mexico for a family on vacation. Whale watching, snorkeling and surfing are all popular activities, and Mexico also has interesting archeological sites and ecological parks to explore. If you’re planning a trip to Mexico, it’s important to know how to make the trip as easy as possible. You want to have fun, not deal with a lot of complications. Here are some important tips for you to keep in mind when planning a family trip to Mexico.
- Bring your passport. Crossing the border into Mexico used to be much more simple, and if you traveled there before 9/11, you may remember only needing to bring a valid U.S. ID and perhaps a birth certificate. Unfortunately, this is no longer the case. You will need passports for yourself and your children, so be sure to take care of this well in advance of your trip. It’s also important to note that if just one parent is traveling, he will need a notarized letter of permission for the trip from the parent not in attendance. Legal guardians will need to show proof of legal guardianship as well.
- Watch your money. It’s best to avoid flashing cash around while you’re in Mexico. If possible, try to have most of the money you plan to spend on a credit card – most places in Mexico will be able to accept your card. If you do have cash, trade it in for pesos at the first available opportunity. Carrying American dollars makes you more vulnerable to robbery. When you do carry cash, don’t carry a lot at once. While you’re at it, avoid flashing expensive jewelry, watches or electronics. Remember that obvious tourists are often targets for robbery (this is true in many places, not just Mexico.)
- Avoid drinking the tap water. Americans who visit Mexico often report illness after drinking the local tap water. It’s best to avoid the problem by opting for bottled water – the last thing that you want are sick kids while you’re on vacation. Even in a restaurant, you should be sure to specify that you want bottled water, not tap water. And remember that the ice is often made of tap water, so order your drinks without ice.
- Travel with reputable companies:
Given the on-going Mexico security and crime challenges and highly visible/amplified depiction of crime encountered within Mexico, it goes without saying that careful planning and precautions should be exercised when traveling in specific and localized destinations within Mexico. The vast majority of incidents have occurred in the border areas. Major tourist destinations like Cancun and Los Cabos are located more than a two hour flight away from the border and are recognized as safe. Rather than purchase hotel only to save a few bucks, book a package that includes round trip transfers so you know that you are with a group getting to and from the hotel. If you want to discover natural beauty, archaeological treasures, and fun around every turn, consider participating in group excursions with guides that know the area well. For example, why not join a bilingual guide and explore some of Puerto Vallarta’s hillsides, valleys, villages and jungle—on horseback! For centuries, Mexican cowboys (charros) have relied on their four-footed steeds and now you can follow in their footsteps and beyond. Experience beaches, such as Xcaret and Tres Rios parks in Cancun, river banks and lush forests, with stops along the way for traditional meals, a cooling splash in the river and historic highlights. Try biking, trekking, or birdwatching (some 950 species on view in Baja and the Yucatan!). Visit private homes or artists’ studios in Puerto Vallarta or San Miguel de Allende. Go mountain-climbing on Mexico’s volcanoes. Explore lost cities, pre-Columbian rock-art sites near Merida, Playa del Carmen and Cancun, sub-tropical rain forests and pristine Caribbean beaches while soaking up the culture of Mexico’s indigenous cultures. There’s so much to do—and so many ways to do it—you’ll be planning your next trip before you ever leave!
A trip to Mexico should be a fun and exciting event for the whole family. Just be sure to make the proper preparations and take simple precautions while you’re there so that your trip goes as smoothly as possible.
