Mexico Travel Tips for First Time Visitors
Traveling to a new country can be daunting, especially for first-time visitors. Being able to successfully navigate a place that is completely different from your home environment can be challenging, but the process will become easier with time. To help you make the transition into this new environment and give you the confidence you need to explore, here are some helpful tips for traveling as a tourist in Mexico.
Be flexible
If you have plans to visit a certain place or do certain activities, be flexible about those plans. The first thing you may notice when you arrive in a new country is that people do things differently than back home. For example, you may know someone who likes to eat at a certain restaurant for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but it may not be common practice in Mexico. It is also not uncommon to hear people order a completely different type of food from what you are used to. You may also notice that people do things in dramatically different ways than you are used to. In other words, be flexible and open to new experiences.
Pack light
Most people take a lot more stuff than they need when they travel. Not only is it a hassle to find room for all the stuff you’re bringing, but it also takes up more space and weight in your bags and luggage. When you pack light, you are able to fit more stuff into your bags, and you are also able to fit more bags into the overhead compartments on planes and in buses, trains, and taxis. When packing for your trip, think about how you will use each item you are bringing and decide if you really need to bring it. If you have concerns about certain items, such as food allergies or health issues, you can always send them ahead to your destination in a package so that you don’t have to worry about them while you are on your trip.
Don’t drive at night
If you want to get around, you’re going to have to drive. You may be used to driving at night in your home country, but this is not the case in Mexico. As a result, the majority of driving is done at night in this country. The majority of driving lessons start at 8pm so that you have time to get home from a lesson before you need to be in bed. Driving at night in Mexico is not for the faint of heart. Your vision is significantly reduced at night due to the low light levels. Additionally, the roads and highways are often poorly lit. The roads also have a high prevalence of potholes, which can cause significant damage to a car.
Be aware of your surroundings
You can find out a lot about a place just by looking around. Observe the people, notice the different types of buildings, and pay close attention to the symbols or decorations that are around you. You will notice how the people dress, how they carry themselves, and you will learn about the culture that way. While you are observing and listening, try to avoid staring and talking to random people. If you happen to see someone you know, introduce yourself and then politely walk away. It is also important to be aware of how you are speaking when you are talking to people. Pay attention to how you are speaking and make sure that you are using the right words and phrases so that you do not offend others.
Get online before you arrive
If you are able to get online before you arrive in a new country, you will have a better understanding of the way things work there. Different countries use different Internet providers, but most of the time, there is access to the Internet at a place that offers WiFi. You can find out ahead of time which libraries and cafes offer free WiFi, so that you don’t have to worry about this while you are on your trip. Additionally, if you have a smartphone, you can get online with free WiFi apps, such as Fon, Onavo, or Hotspot Shield.
Stay safe while you’re on the road
The majority of people who visit a new country choose to travel by car. To stay safe while you are on the road, drive defensively and be aware of your surroundings. Use your mirrors to check that things are behind you before you back out of your spot, and watch for things that may be crossing the road. If you are going to drive at night, be sure to use a white headlamp or turn signal, as this will make you easier to see. You may also want to consider bringing some safety items, such as a road map, flares, a flashlight, an emergency phone number, and a first aid kit.
Bottom line
Traveling is a rewarding experience that helps you to experience life differently than what you would if you stayed in one place. However, you need to be prepared for the fact that you will be encountering both positive and negative experiences while traveling. It is important to be flexible, pack light, be aware of your surroundings, get online before you arrive, stay safe while you’re on the road, and bottom line, be prepared for anything that may occur on your trip.
