Hints and Tips to consider when Traveling to Mexico

For any visitor who has not had the pleasure of traveling or visiting our country, perhaps the information that he is getting from the news could intimidate him when planning a trip to Mexico. However, Mexico is not the land full of dangers as some have presented it, even though precautions are never over done in an area where the customs, lifestyles and attitudes of the people are different from those of the traveler. So, here are some suggestions and tips for anyone who ventures into travel in Mexican land:

The Climate and Relief

In general, in Mexico there are no seasons as in other countries with harsh winters or unbearable summers, but like in everything else, exceptions exist in the desert lands or the mountains, however, the overall climate is rather mild in Mexico. If we carry appropriate clothing to the environment that we are about to visit (beach, mountain, desert) and we seek information about the local climate, we should be fine.

However, if you come from an area at sea level or below, and you are traveling to higher grounds as the Distrito Federal or climbing a mountain as the Pico de Orizaba, it is likely you will experience the so-called "altitude sickness" reason why it would be important to get some rest before hand and be well prepared with an emergency kit, just in case.

About the Diverse Populations

Mexico is the most diverse country in terms of environments. We have a crowded Federal District with over 22 million people, as well as tourist camps with only a few people. Likewise, you can find streets where you can barely step out to cross them, to almost deserted places. The recommendation here is to plan the trip. Tracing the routes will help you not to get lost. Also in larger cities you have to be always aware of public works, mass protests or other issues that could hinder or complicate your trip. Always check with the locals or through the news.

About the Cuisine

Mexican food is considered one of the most delicious in the world and is even recognized by UNESCO as an intangible heritage of humanity. Indeed we must remember that a lot of Mexican food is based on two ingredients: chile pepper and corn. As to the first everyone knows its taste and their tolerance to it, so it is unwise to venture with spicy sauces if you're sensitive to hot dishes, as this can cause you an upset stomach. For corn, it can be consumed as the whole kernel corn with delicious cream, mayonnaise, lemon and chile, or as the equally tasty corn tortillas, which we Mexicans accompany with almost everything: The mole poblano, the carnitas, the beans, the grilled t-bones ... in short, any dish with this tortillas tastes great!

About Safety

This is perhaps the most worrying aspect for both tourists and governments, ever since the latter have come to mention places in Mexico that foreign tourists should avoid visiting (i.e. the north part of the country). However, the situation is not as critical as it seems. First of all, the tourist is NEVER the favorite target of criminals, as the crime against visitors is much more prosecuted. The crime that at some point gets to affect some foreigners is theft.

The main advices then, are preventive: Do not flaunt jewelry or bring too much money with you; do not travel with more than one thousand pesos in cash and this amount, distributed in several bags or pockets; do not bring more than two credit cards and do not lose sight of them when shopping or going to restaurants. It is highly recommended to have the emergency phone numbers such as that of LOCATEL: 56-58-1111 and those of the embassy of your country, although it should be noted that these differ from city to city, so it is recommended that before going out, you ask for these emergency numbers at your hotel.

Final Recommendations

Personal documents must always be supervised by you. If you cannot put them in a safe, a lock on the suitcase always helps. This applies for tickets, passports and other traveling documents. Mexico is one of the few countries where it is allowed to "bargain", that is negotiate the price of a craft, a tour or a tip. Always reject offers that seem too good and tempting.

Stay alert, without becoming paranoid, let prudence guide your adventurous spirit during your trip in Mexico and prepare to enjoy your stay in this beautiful country!