Safety Advice for Traveling in Mexico, Flights to Acapulco, Cancun, Chichen-Itza And Other Top Destinations

Tourism is huge in Mexico, and rightly so. As one of the most-visited countries in the world, Mexico offers a fun, adventurous, culture-rich paradise just waiting to be explored. Whether you're heading there to party in the clubs of Cancun, lounge on the gorgeous beaches of Acapulco, or to visit the ancient Mayan ruins of Chichen-Itzá, no trip is better than those that are well-prepared. Mexico has a few caveats to be aware of, and a few guidelines for health and safety on your travels. TripMama is here to offer some sound advice for anyone thinking of traveling to this beautiful country.

How to Plan for your Trip to Mexico
There are a few things that you can do before you travel to ensure a stress-free experience once you arrive. These tips are in addition to the usual travel advice we recommend, and do not represent the entirety of pre-journey preparations you should make. Travel to and from Mexico now requires a passport for U.S. citizens, as well as the rest of the world. If you are traveling on a cruise or by land, you will need a passport to enter Mexico starting February 2008. There is somewhat of a passport rush because of this, so apply early to avoid mid-trip disappointment. If you are using a car to enter, make sure you have all of the documents to prove ownership, including the state registration certificate, and forms indicating the driver as a named owner if the vehicle is a rental or a company car. Vehicle insurance for the U.S. will likely not be valid in Mexico, so be sure to buy coverage that lasts the length of your stay. If you do not have insurance and you get into an accident, the police will take you into custody until it can be determined who is liable for damages; not a pleasant experience for a vacation, and certainly one to avoid if possible. Another insurance concern is for health coverage. Again, check if you are covered for foreign expenses, and purchase additional policy if necessary.

Speaking of health, make sure all your vaccinations are up to date, and consult your doctor about any other inoculations that should be performed for the regions you'll be passing through or visiting. It's a sensible idea to take some common pharmaceuticals with you as a precaution; sunscreen, aspirin, insecticides, and antidiarrheals like Imodium. You may not be able to find these once in Mexico, or they might be expensive.

Making the Most of your Time in Mexico
Though the hot weather can be less appealing if you travel by day, it's recommended to do so. Driving by night opens the risk of coming across the herds of roaming livestock, making for hazardous road conditions. If you are driving far, the toll roads that crisscross the country are well worth the cost; improved safety, better surface conditions, and the convenience of a direct route are all welcome after a while on the road.

There are many stories about the evils of drinking and eating abroad, and Mexico is no exception. To err on the side of caution, only drink bottled water and avoid ice cubes (likely made with tap water). You can fill a spare bottle with some safe water and freeze it, so that the next day you can carry around an ice-cold, refreshing, drink without worrying about safety. If you must drink tap water, check with the hotel or resort if they have purifiers installed, or bring your own.

Mexico can be a little less forgiving than other countries, so take extra precautions when participating in risky activities such as snorkeling or diving. Avoid the parts of beaches without lifeguards, no matter how stunning the water looks, and adhere to warning signs about undertow and other dangers. This may seem like common sense, but we often forget to pay close attention to signs if they are in a foreign language, or appear unfamiliar to us.

For more tips, be sure to check out our safety guides, tips on packing light, and coping with kids abroad, and as always, safe travels!