Thinking of making a trip to Mexico anytime soon? When making a trip somewhere, it’s always good to be one thing – prepared. Being prepared helps you maximize your entire experience, no matter where you go. Before packing those bags and booking that ticket to the land of tequila, here are some things you’d want to know about Mexico that’ll help you make the most out of your trip.
Learn About Mexico’s Culture
Can’t get enough of Mexican history and art? A large amount of Frida Kahlo’s paintings is displayed in the house she used to live in with Diego Rivera, her husband. The house has now been turned into a museum called “Museum Dolores Olmedo Patiño”. The museum opens at 10 a.m., and closes at 6 p.m. Prepare 75 pesos for your entrance fee if you’re a foreign national, but if you go on a Tuesday, it’s free.
There are many other museums in Mexico such as the Museo Casa Luis Barragan, who was a famous modernist architect. There are a few old, private mansions in Mexico that were created by him. His style was so revered that his own home was turned into a museum, just like Frida’s.For those who want a more ancient spin on their museum tours, Museo de Antropologia highlights information and artefacts’ about pre-Hispanic civilizations that thrived around Mexico.
Go During a Festival
Visiting a country during the peak of its cultural expression (like a festival) gives you a sneak peek into the history, values, and art of the land you’re going to be in. Then again, if you’re not the type to really geek out about the ins and outs of what makes a country unique, you can still enjoy the parties, sights and sounds that come with it.
There are so many different festivals that happen in Mexico; there’s the famous Cinco De Mayo that commemorates Mexico winning over France’s forces in 1862 during the Battle of Puebla. And then another example is the Day of The Dead festival or “Dia de los Muertos”, where Mexico celebrates and honors those who have passed on. This happens on November 1, when they believe that loved ones come back in spirit form, thus prompting their living relatives to entertain them with earthly pleasures.
Top Things to Do in Mexico
Before going, think of the things you personally want to do; some people are into doing extreme sports and watching wrestling, while others prefer quiet trips to museums and heritage sights. Luckily, Mexico has both. There are UNESCO heritage sites are found all over Mexico – a total of 34 of them in the entire country. Among all these heritage sites, the most popular is “Chichen Itza”, which was a city of the Maya civilization dating as far back as 600 A.D., found in Yucatan, Mexico.
Amped Up Activities
For those who are more into adrenaline, go to Puerto Vallarta and have a hand at flyboarding. It’s an experience unlike anything else, as your feet are strapped on to jets that shoot off water, letting you “fly” using the hyper-powered streams pushing you up. There are also many sites for snorkeling and diving among waters teeming with life, one of these places being the beautiful Palancar Reef in Parque Marino de Cozumel.
Book One of the Best Affordable Hotels in Mexico
If you don’t want to take the option of Airbnb, Mexico has a ton of hotels that are affordable. The Hilton Mexico City Reforma has rooms that go as low as $132 for 2 adults; that’s with free internet. For something a little cheaper but still rated a 4.6 by Google reviewers, Hotel Casa Gonzalez is a cozy hotel that offers double rooms for as low as $53 a night.
Something in between the Hilton and Hotel Casa Gonzalez is the Sheraton Mexico City Maria Isabel Hotel. It’s considered a 5-star hotel, and offers room deals for as low as 71 dollars for their “Classic Room”; either 2 double beds or a king bed, plus breakfast. Now that’s a deal!
Have Delectable DishesAround Town
Mexico is also known for its great food. You don’t go all the way there just to eat at their McDonalds! Mexican food that you must try at least once include Tamales, which are made from a steamed corn-based dough, wrapped in a banana leaf. The dough is sometimes stuffed with meat, vegetables, and peppers. Next, try tacos – but this time, from a street vendor. You’ll be surprised – street tacos may be even better than the taco you’re used to eating from fast food restaurants.
You can’t forget trying out an authentic enchilada; the combination of chicken, cream onion, and cheese wrapped up in a fried corn tortilla is something else – especially if you order it from the right restaurant. One of these restaurants is called “Café de Tacuba”, which has been serving enchiladas since 1912.
Do’s and Don’ts for Safety Purposes
While you’re in Mexico, there are some extra precautions you should take to guard against your health and safety. For one, avoid drinking water out of the tap – always drink bottled water. Keep your valuables near you, or in a safe place always. Be vigilant in case someone tries to swindle you. As much as possible, avoid passing through or going through neighborhoods with a history of violence.
Know Which Souvenirs and Things to Buy
As your trip ends, you may want something to remember it by, or a little trinket to give a friend. Because Mexico teems with gorgeous contemporary art, it isn’t hard to get a colorful postcard or skull souvenir from a Dia De los Muertos festival. As for souvenirs that are more interesting which you can take home and use, there’s the Lucha libre mask, Mexican coffee beans, colorful woven textiles, fresh vanilla, Hupil (traditional clothing that women wear), and of course – a bottle of tequila!
Mexico is a great place to enjoy, despite its notoriety in the traveling scene. It’s affordable, ripe with culture and history, and is only a flight away.