Mexico Travel Guide

All the possibilities of a Mexico vacation point to one thing: paradise.  The country’s multitude of opposing identities, from unforgiving desert landscapes to snow-capped volcanoes, explode in a stunning display of other-worldly appeal.  This poetic mix of traditional and modern, touristy and sincere, is at the core of Mexico’s draw for visitors.  Whether your only goal is to lay poolside and watch the sunset with margarita in hand, or clamber across ancient Mayan ruins, you can rest assured that the pieces of a Mexico vacation are of a ubiquitous fitting nature, yet distinctly crafted so that they can stand on their own when the situation calls for it.  The abundance of low cost options and discount airfare to Mexico make it a hot travel destination, with travelers reaping a wide variety of benefits from the accommodating nation.

One could make a case for any time of the year to be ideal for visiting Mexico, although between October and May is typically the most pleasant time.  From May-September can be hot and humid, moreover in the southern regions, with temperatures further inland close to freezing during December-February.  Facilities are often overrun with domestic travel during the heavily booked Semana Santa (the week before Easter), as well as Christmas/New Year, since these are the few times each year when many displaced workers have the opportunity to travel back home.  Still, there is great potential for year round travel to Mexico, especially if you know where to look for discount airfare to the seasonally-appropriate climate.

A number of chain hotels and motels are available throughout Mexico, including Best Western, Fiesta Inn, Hilton, Ritz-Carlton, and many others.  A downturn in the global economy has made for an upward trending of rates in recent years, yet the overwhelming majority of Mexican establishments remain very reasonable, especially when compared to similar U.S. and European accommodations.  Those wishing to add authenticity will likely want to stay away from the larger chain hotels, as their only goal is to offer a clean, comfortable experience, and not necessarily one with any regional distinction.  Smaller local hotels and motels along the roadside have an increased chance of being neither comfortable nor safe.  However, Mexico’s take on the boutique hotel is a staple throughout the country, and are all rich in Mexican heritage and charm.  You should note though, the majority of the boutique and budget hotels are without certain things commonly take for granted, such as heaters, air conditioning, and bathtubs.  Ensure that your travel plans take this into account, and that you are adequately prepared with warm pajamas or even an electric blanket should your Mexico vacation takes you to one of the cooler areas during winter.

If your view of Mexico looks akin to a nonstop, culture-rich celebration, then you’re in luck.  Almost every month out of the year sees a national holiday, or fiesta, with practically every other day of the week being a local saint’s day or a town fair celebration somewhere. Carnaval is the big send-off to temptation in the week before Ash Wednesday, which signifies the start of the 40-day penance Lent, and varies in time between late February and early March.  Quite possibly the country’s most notable fiesta is the wonderfully dark Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), held the day after All Saints’ Day on November 2, where the returning souls of Mexican ancestors are welcomed back to roam the Earth for a day.  No matter when or where your Mexico vacation takes you, the raw, natural beauty will defy your senses.  Excursions range from as heavy as trampling through the jungles and high-plains deserts, or as intimate and culturally-rich as exploring ancient rites at mysterious Maya and Aztec ruins.  Then again, there’s no harm in absorbing the natural beauty stretched out across a beach.

Traveling in Mexico is most practical by bus, car, or air.  Other than the obvious cultural and geographical differences, there’s another glaring contrast between a Europe and Mexico vacation, as travel by train is practically nonexistent and wholly impractical.  Mexico is a very large country, but finding cheap flights from one domestic destination to the next can be fairly when booked in advance. The main full-service airlines are Mexicana, Aeromar, AeroMexico and Aviacsa.  When traveling by bus, always opt for the large carrier express buses (referred to locally as directos).  Other buses might be more frequent, but planning around these directos is ideal, as others make many more stops, translating into pronounced travel times.