Mexico travel advice
Language tips
Vicky Rodford, from our supplier Intrepid Travel, specialists in Mexico gives great Mexico travel advice: “Learn a few words of the local language because English isn’t widely spoken. So even if just you have some basic numbers, greetings, pleasantries or how to order a drink, it is easier for everyone if you have a go, and you kind of muddle along together. Google Translate is a cracking little app, although to save money on network charges, a good old fashioned phrasebook does the trick. I have an old Footprint Latin America guide and it is so simple to use.”
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Money tips
Vicky Rodford, from our supplier Intrepid Travel: “Financially it is fine to take Pesos, and get them at home before you go. Don’t worry too much about converting your Sterling into US $, to then convert into Pesos, because you are just paying two exchange rates. ATMs are fairly widely available now but they do charge you to withdraw your cash, and it seems to be a percentage amount, not a fixed one, so the more you get out, the more it is going to cost you.”Eat – and travel – like a local
Jess Millett from our Mexico vacations supplier, Tucan Travel: “Make sure you take a food tour in Oaxaca. Try mole, tequila, grasshopper and Oaxaca cheese. Don't rule out traveling by public bus. Far more economical than a private vehicle, Mexico's public buses are air-conditioned and comfortable.”
Shopping tips
Vicky Rodford, Intrepid Travel: “There are lots of handicrafts to buy, such as wooden crafted skulls, and chess sets. One tip is to buy it when you see it. Sometimes you think, I won’t buy it yet as I will probably see hundreds of them, but that isn’t always the case. So, if it is truly indigenous to the area, I would really recommend you to buy it when you see it.”Packing tips
Nic Slocum from our supplier Whales Worldwide who knows all about Baja:
“Baja is remote so make sure you take everything you need for your vacation as many goods may not be available or have run out. Always pack a wide brimmed hat and quick drying slacks. The type that transform to shorts are the most useful. Thick soled rubber sandals are essential because cactus spines may be present on island beaches. Lastly, the average Mexican wage on Baja is very low and they rely heavily of tips from visitors. Tip appropriately, but not too generously."
“Baja is remote so make sure you take everything you need for your vacation as many goods may not be available or have run out. Always pack a wide brimmed hat and quick drying slacks. The type that transform to shorts are the most useful. Thick soled rubber sandals are essential because cactus spines may be present on island beaches. Lastly, the average Mexican wage on Baja is very low and they rely heavily of tips from visitors. Tip appropriately, but not too generously."
Packing tips
Vicky Rodford, from our supplier Intrepid Travel: “Take something with DEET in it, because the mossies can be no fun at all. And, like any hot country, take a hat because it gets hot and you can get sunstroke.”Health & safety in Mexico
HEALTH
SAFETY
Our top Mexico Vacation
Mexico bespoke vacation, Cultural Heartlands and Caribbean Coast
Explore one of Latin America' most vibrant destinations
From
£2710
14 days
ex flights
Tailor made:
This trip can be tailor made throughout the year to suit your requirements
This trip can be tailor made throughout the year to suit your requirements
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Mexico travel advice
At Responsible Travel, we think the best people to advise our travelers are often... other travelers. They always return from our tours with packing tips, weather reports, ideas about what to do – and opinions about what not to.
We have selected some of the most useful Mexico travel advice that our guests have provided over the years to help you make the very most of your vacation.
We have selected some of the most useful Mexico travel advice that our guests have provided over the years to help you make the very most of your vacation.
Bring your binoculars! The birds are hard to see in the foliage. Get up early and walk the beach. Lose 5 pounds before you go because the food is fantastic.![]()
- Mary Marshall
“Take plenty of insect repellent if you go in the rainy season and long trousers and a top with long sleeves if you are going to explore the region. Also, my husband suffered with tummy troubles, so take plenty of rehydration powder and immodium!” – Nicola Goddard
“The nicest part was the homestay in a pleasant little village with a lovely family. Try and learn some Spanish to interact with people.” – Laura Palmucci
“Be flexible, warm showers are rare and enjoy even if you are sometimes squeezed in a bus.”
– Andrea Baumann
“The nicest part was the homestay in a pleasant little village with a lovely family. Try and learn some Spanish to interact with people.” – Laura Palmucci
“Be flexible, warm showers are rare and enjoy even if you are sometimes squeezed in a bus.”
– Andrea Baumann
Seeing a blue whale in Loreto - something I never thought I would see!... Live every magical moment, don't spend too much time behind the lens of a camera!![]()
- Sammie Haines
“In spite of being by far the oldest couple in the group, we had a thoroughly amazing vacation with an excellent tour leader. Try to pack light” - Helen Hore on our Mexico, Belize & Guatemala tour, Mayan encounter vacation
“Be prepared for some long journeys on rough roads and tracks, Baja looks deceptively small!”
– Fiona Buck
“Be prepared for some long journeys on rough roads and tracks, Baja looks deceptively small!”
– Fiona Buck
More about Mexico
Mexico is a vast country with no fewer than four time zones, meaning different regions can experience totally different weather.
Mexico is a concoction of culture, cuisine, coast and carnival. This Mexico travel guide aims to show you all the ingredients of its special cocktail, from the ancient Mayan traditions and archaeology to the many different indigenous communities.
When you take a look at our Mexico map and highlights you will see that they tend to focus on the south of the country.
Mexico is falling down with UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as Chichén Itzá, Uxmal and Palenque and cultural itineraries will always fit some of these treats in to your vacation.
Food in Mexico is linked to so many traditions, there aren’t enough hours in the day to hear all the stories attached to corn, spices, mescals, and so on.
Find out what a grey whale watching vacation in Baja entails, from whale camps to daily boat trips. And a biologist explains how ethical these trips are...
From an indigenous Mexican commemoration, to a UNESCO-acclaimed cultural highlight celebrated around the globe, Mexico’s Day of the Dead festival has come a long way in its 3,000-year history.
Discover Mexico’s most important Mayan step pyramids and UNESCO-listed Aztec architecture.
Mexico City rose from the ashes of the Aztec Empire to become the largest metropolitan area in the Western Hemisphere.
A tour of Oaxaca is always going to include toasted tortilla vendors and colonial architecture.
Camp and hike on uninhabited islands; paddle between beaches and rocky coves; snorkel with sea lions and watch whales and dolphins; sea kayaking in Baja is the best way to bring the beauty of Mexico leaping into life.
Family vacations in Mexico are a cocktail of Mayan culture, Mexican food, beaches, adventures in the jungle and wildlife.
There are sixty different indigenous groups in Mexico, all with extraordinary heritage and history.
