Mexico Holidays 2012-2013

Check out our top insider tips for holidays to Mexico!

Beaches:

• Mexico is home to some of the best beaches in the world. Miles of amazing coastline provide great locations for relaxing, basking in the sun and exploring exciting water sports.
• Cancun beaches are internationally known for beautiful white sands, double sided coastlines and clear waterfronts. Recognized throughout the world for amazing scuba diving, Cancun beaches are without doubt worth a visit on your Mexico holiday.
• Cabo San Lucas or ‘the jewel of the Baja Peninsula’ is another famed beach also known for its pristine white sands and world class scuba diving locations. Although it’s a great place to relax, you should be very cautious; some Cabo beaches have seas with severe currents and dangerous tides, so pay attention to any warning signs before you go into the sea.
• Be aware, lifeguards do not operate on every beach in Mexico or by every hotel pool. So, do not swim alone as there’s not always going to be a lifeguard waiting to rescue you.
• If you see something unfamiliar in the sea, don’t touch it! The majority of Mexico’s beautiful beaches harbour jelly fish that can cause harmful stings. Take basic precautions to avoid getting stung; don’t dive in head first without looking in the water first; don’t dangle your legs over the edge of boats unless you can see what’s in the sea clearly and generally look out for floating creatures in the water. If you do get stung scratching the skin can aggregate the sting further. Remove the tentacles with a pair of tweezers and rinse the skin thoroughly. If this doesn’t work seek medical attention immediately.
• Most importantly, do not forget your sunscreen when you are on holiday in Mexico. With highs if 35°C burning in the Mexican sun is frequently underestimated.

Water sports…

• Mexico is the ideal location for water enthusiasts. Scuba-diving, snorkelling, sailing, surfing, fishing, water-skiing and white-water rafting are among the abundance of water sports available.
• Stingray stings are the most common diving and water sport injuries. If you do happen to get stung, rinse the wound with clean water then soak it with water as hot as you can bear as the heat neutralises the poison.

Chilli enchiladas, burritos and fajitas:

• Mexican cuisine is slightly different to the food you’ll find in the typical Tex-Mex restaurants found in the UK and US. Mexican food is an exciting choice of cuisine, known for its wealth of spices and intense flavouring; it is a delicious way of enjoying food. Traditional ingredients include chilli, tomato, garlic and onion and most dishes are paired with rice, beans and fresh tortillas. You can expect cultural dishes like salsas, quesadillas, tacos, enchiladas, burritos, fajitas, tostadas, and guacamole in all good quality Mexican restaurants.
• Expect hot chilli ingredients that can unsettle stomachs on your holiday to Mexico. If you are not used to hot peppers, ask if your food doesn’t include it. Take it easy with the spices to avoid stomach pain on your Mexico holidays.
• Take caution when purchasing food from street vendors in towns and cities as hygienic preparation may not be reliable but in conjunction to this; you may find some of the tastiest Mexican food in the country.

Tequila and margarita….

• Tequila is a renowned drink and in Mexico it’s traditionally drunk strait. Take it easy though, tequila holds a high percentage of alcohol, too many shots may result in your head down the toilet.
• For something a little lighter, try the world famed corona. One of Mexico’s best-selling beers is a refreshing beverage typically served with a slice of lime in the south of Mexico. Enjoy a corona with a light lunch, evening meal or simply on its own as a relaxing drink.

How do I get around?

• To rent a car in Mexico you must be at least 25 years old and hold a full driving licence and major credit card. You will typically get a better rate if you book your rental before you arrive as costs can be quite pricey. Driving in Mexico isn’t advised unless you have experience as the road structure is quite complex and traffic flow is typically very heavy.
• Buses in Mexico provide a reliable and inexpensive service. It will cost you around $2-4 for an average journey, you should make sure you have change before you board as you won’t get any money back. Avoid travelling on buses at night especially in non-tourist areas and make sure the bus is going to correct destination before you get on.
• Avoid hailing down a taxi in the street; ask your hotel to ring you a taxi or get a cab from a local taxi firm, this way the licence plate and registration will be recorded if anything suspicious may occur.

Money:

• The local currency is the Mexican Peso. Don’t carry all your money around with you, it’s safer to exchange or withdraw money as and when you need it.
• Traveller’s cheques are a safe way to take money to Mexico. For convenience, try to take well known branded cheques such as American Express and Visa etc. as they will be most widely accepted. Make sure you take two forms of identification, most banks and exchange houses as most will require more than one form of I.D and it’s a safe option in case you lose one. Remember to exchange your money before Sunday as most banks will be closed.
• Credit and visa cards are widely accepted but be aware, banks may charge you around 2-3% of each transaction value. It’s a good idea to talk to your bank before you travel to get an idea of what to expect.
• Most shops and restaurants etc. will not accept torn or damaged pesos, so be careful with your money.

Useful Tips:

• Avoid drinking the tap water on your holiday to Mexico. Bottled water is typically provided in hotels but if not, there are numerous places you can buy some from.
• Oaxaca is the perfect destination for all you chocolate lovers. Oaxacans love their chocolate, do as they do and start your day with a delicious Mexican hot chocolate. Many people are unaware, Mexico introduced the world to chocolate, therefore with great practice they’re one of the best countries that make it.
• If you’re travelling between November and April you ought to to see a famed bullring fight. Visit the Plaza de toros de Mexico, it’s the world’s biggest bullring and seats 60,000 people; the atmosphere is amazing. Mexico is one of the last remaining countries where bullfighting is still legal, enjoy the unique experience of a bullring fight, you’re unlikely to come across it at home.