Mexico is an amazing country, and it is one of the top vacation spots in the world—especially when spring break rolls around. It has a lively culture, beautiful beaches, and who can forget the delicious food? Seriously…the food will change your life. It’s that good.
But, as with any foreign country, traveling to Mexico requires a heightened sense of cautiousness, particularly for teens and college students who are visiting for spring break. Here are 3 must-read tips to remember:
1. Get An International Data Plan
International data rates are no joke. A few texts or calls could easily run your bill through the roof. Talk to your mobile carrier and sign up for a temporary international data plan to use while you’re out of the country. Your parents will thank you for not breaking the bank.
2. Learn The Basic Lingo
One of the trickiest parts of traveling abroad is the inevitable language barrier. So if you’re going to Mexico, then it’s important that you brush up on some very basic spanish terms, phrases, and questions. This will help you navigate your trip with confidence, and will also lead to a more meaningful experience if you’re able to converse with the locals. Here’s a list you can print out and keep with you on your trip.
3. Stick With Your Group
We all know getting lost sucks, but getting lost in a foreign country when you’re supposed to be having fun. . .now that’s just terrible, not to mention very dangerous. So, even if your friends or group members are doing one activity, and you want to do something else, just wait until you can all go together. Don’t ever isolate yourself or wander off alone—it’s just not safe.
4. Wear Sunscreen!
Your parents say it. Your tour guides say it. Heck, every travel article out there probably says it, but yet some people still don’t wear sunscreen when visiting Mexico. Listen folks, the sun in Mexico is much stronger and more intense than it is in the states, and that means you can get a bad sunburn in a fraction of the time. If you fry your skin to death on the first day, you’ll be miserable and in pain the rest of your trip, and nobody wants that. Get a strong SPF, and wear it. ALL. THE. TIME.
5. Bottles And Cans Only
Many visitors don’t realize that the tap water in Mexico, and subsequently the ice, is not always safe to drink. It’s kind of a gamble, really, because some folks can drink it and be fine, while others end up with food-poisoning-like symptoms. So the best thing to do is stick to bottled or canned water, sodas, tea, etc. Even if the price is a bit higher, it’s definitely worth it to know that your tummy isn’t headed for turmoil.
If you follow these five tips, and always remember that safety is the most important thing, you’ll have a blast in Mexico and you’ll be counting the seconds until you can return for a second visit!
Contributed by Ashley Welter
