7 Important Travel Tips for Mexico: Advice from a Travel Agent
There are a lot of tourist-friendly, safe destinations in Mexico. It’s one of my favorite places to vacation. However, you should always use common sense when traveling and be aware of your surroundings. Here are 7 important travel tips to make your trip a little smoother.
Beware of scams
Scams can happen anywhere in the world. But in the airports in Mexico, timeshare salespeople will get you quickly. They will stop you at the airport on the way to find your transfer. A lot of hotels have a heavy timeshare pitch as well. Just say no thanks and keep walking, unless you want to lose 4-6 hours of your vacation. In the Cancun airport, you walk through what we jokingly call the shark tank after you get your bags.
It’s marked on this illustration as the danger zone.
Take money for gratuities
A very long time ago when I first started my career in the travel industry, tipping wasn’t talked about as much. A lot of resorts included tips. That has changed over time and I highly recommend tipping during your vacation. Check this post for suggested amounts. You should plan to tip your transfer driver, your wait staff, concierge if you have one, housekeeping and any other service personnel that assists you.
Be mindful of time-share pitches at your Resort
Not all, but a lot of resorts have memberships or time share options. They will often mask this as a free breakfast or excursion and you just have to watch their presentation. They can be pushy at times. Some resorts are worse than others. Firmly and kindly say no. If they keep bothering you speak to the front desk and please let me know so I can intercede if needed.
Check your passport validity
Check your passport when you book your trip. Ensure it won’t expire within 3-6 months of your vacation. The time frame varies by country but some require as much as 6 months validity. Mexico does not have this requirement, but you don’t want to get denied boarding when you should have renewed your passport.
Explore areas outside the resort
For first-timers, this can be daunting. Mexico is a beautiful country and there’s so much to see! I don’t always take an excursion on every trip, but we have taken some great ones! In July 2023, we swam with the Whale Sharks and snorkeled off Isla Mujeres. On past trips, we visited Xel-ha Park, snorkeling and floating the river. When we visit Puerto Vallarta, we always go downtown (The Malecon) to eat and shop.
Leave valuables at home
I advise clients to leave valuables at home. You’ll need your passport, cash, and 2 credit cards. You always want to have a backup card. Discover and American Express are not widely accepted, I would suggest Visa or Mastercard. Once you arrive at the hotel lock everything in your safe or bring a portable safe if you prefer that. Take out cash as you need it. If you take your jewelry, lock it in the safe when you aren’t wearing it. I’ve heard too many horror stories of engagement rings being lost in the sand or the ocean. I wear silicone rings in the pool and during the day and will wear my diamond at night.
Book your airport transfer in advance
If you booked a package or even just a hotel without airfare, transfers were either already included or offered as an add-on. You want to have those booked before you arrive. I prefer private transfers and will offer those as an option with your package. It’s a nice perk to have the deluxe private transfer!
There are lots of options. If you choose one yourself just make sure you choose a reputable one. Your transfer back to the airport usually needs to be reconfirmed at the hotel with your transfer company.
What tips do you have for first-timers or even seasoned travelers?
If you are interested in traveling to Mexico, or any other options, I’d love to earn your business. You can reach me at Lake Pointe Travel at sarah@lakepointetravel.net or 469-698-4071. This is my personal lifestyle blog but I’m a travel agent by day.
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