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While it may seem a simple question to some, what currency you should use while vacationing in Mexico is often asked and more often gotten wrong. Most people know that the national currency of Mexico is the Peso, but most assume that the American dollar works just as well, if not better. It is a common misconception that Mexican merchants and vendors see the dollar as more desirable and revered, but that is not necessarily true.

Most retailers and merchants in Mexico will politely accept American dollars, but they prefer Pesos. The exception would be in Northern Mexico and Baja where merchants happily accept dollars and there isn’t much chance to offend. You just need to make sure in these cases that you get a fair exchange rate. It is also a better deal for the tourist to use Pesos because prices are almost always less expensive when using Pesos. (more…)

No one likes to come down with a cold or flu. Getting sick and missing work or school can be very inconvenient. But when you are on vacation, the last thing in the world you want or expect is to contract some sort of illness. When traveling outside the country for a vacation in Mexico, you should keep in mind these habits and tips that will help to keep you healthy.

Before you even leave for your vacation in Mexico be sure to hydrate yourself by drinking lots of fluids. Once you arrive at your destination be sure to drink only distilled or bottled water. Climate and altitude changes can have an effect on your body. Give your body time to acclimatize to its new environment and don’t go overboard your first day in Mexico. Eat sparingly the first day and only what your body is fairly familiar with. Make sure that any fruits or vegetables that you purchase get washed in distilled or bottled water and peel them if possible. (more…)

If you have ever rented a car in Los Angeles or Chicago or anywhere for that matter in the United States, you will easily understand that headaches and hassles can be commonplace with such a transaction. The idea of renting a car in another country, such as Mexico, might appear to be too daunting to deal with. Nevertheless, avoiding car rental nightmares while vacationing in Mexico can be quite easy as long as you are aware of several things.

It is advisable to rent from an international car rental agency instead of relying on a local agency. This way works better from customer service and availability aspects. A local agency doesn’t have much incentive to treat tourists well when they will probably never have the opportunity to use their service again and they may not have as much choice in car models. Also the large international agencies can set up your rental online or over the phone beforehand. Make sure to print a copy of the document that shows the name of the company, the make and model of the vehicle, and the price that you were quoted (in both dollars and pesos). If there is any discrepancy in price or type of vehicle this should settle any arguments. (more…)

There are 27 United Nations World Heritage sites in Mexico and only three of them made the list primarily for their natural significance, as opposed to historical. The most beautiful and diverse is Sian Ka’an Biosphere, a 1.3 million acre ecological park filled with lagoons, forests, marine habitats, and wetlands. It is the largest marine protected area in Mexico and offers one of the few natural treasures of the Yucatan peninsula that is accessible to tourists.

Added to the UNESCO list in 1987, Sian Ka’an translates as “Origin of the Sky”. It provides a habitat for a diverse population of flora and fauna, as well as over 300 species of birds. There is a small ecotourism and education center there that serves as a model for sustainable development in sensitive tropical ecosystems. The center is funded by the various tours, fishing, accommodation on-site, and various other activities offered there. Some of the ecologically responsible techniques the center uses are rainwater collection, using wind and solar power, and employing systems for wetland waste management. It also provides educational outreach and biological research opportunities. (more…)

While it might not be as well known as Cancun or Puerto Vallarta, this southern coastal city called Mazatlan has become a popular vacation destination for those looking for a more laid back and sedate experience. It has been nicknamed the “Pearl of the Pacific” but not because there are pearls to be found off its shores. It is because as a gracious compliment to this friendly resort city, Mazatlan could thrive without any tourism at all due to its abundance of commercial fishing and the famous Pacifico Brewery. This gives the area the benefits of being an industrious town while at the same time keeping recreation activities in a more relaxed mode.

Because the city does not rely on tourism as its main source of income, it doesn’t seem as hectic with multitudes vying for every dollar as it does in some Mexican resort towns. The feeling in Mazatlan is as if time has stood still. The resorts’ staffs are very friendly, as is everyone in town, which makes Mazatlan feel like your hometown. Because of this, Mazatlan is a great place to come with your whole family. There is plenty for everyone to do.

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Driving your own vehicle through Mexico or renting one to drive while on vacation can provide a wonderful, go-at-your-own-pace type of experience. That being said there are several things you should be aware off if you drive while on vacation in Mexico.

Getting insurance for driving in Mexico is a must, whether it is for your own car or a rental. An accident, even if you are not at fault, will not be just an inconvenience, but could affect the rest of your vacation. Most companies exclude coverage in a foreign country and a policy supplied by your insurance company may not be valid in Mexico. There are insurance vendors on both sides of the border, but it is wise to obtain it before you enter, as it will be quite cheaper.

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Traveling into and throughout Mexico is still very simple, even in this day and age of heightened sensitivities about border control and enforcement. However, there are several key requirements that you should know about concerning travel in Mexico. These include knowing about documents that you should always carry with you, what type of items that you can and can’t take from one country into another, and finally, the certain situations that are best avoided while vacationing in Mexico.

One of the most recent developments concerning international travel to and from the United States is the necessity of having a valid passport. As of January 23, 2007 United States citizens are required to show a valid passport if traveling by air outside of the country, that includes even to Mexico or Canada. By January 1, 2008 that requirement will also include any travels by sea or land outside of the country. To obtain a passport or to register a lapsed one all you need to do is visit one of the over 9,000 passport acceptance facilities located throughout the United States. It is recommended that you allow 10-12 weeks time before your intended travel, as it could take that long before your passport documentation is completed.

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Going on vacation on a cruise ship is still a very popular choice for many travelers. Quite a few cruise ships make embarkations in Mexico on both coasts. This type of vacation combines the luxury of a floating resort with excitement of exploring a different culture with day excursions. There are some great shore excursions available for cruise guests that range from swimming with dolphins to exploring ancient Mayan ruins. But, what considerations should be made when deciding on whether to take a cruise ship to Mexico?

To begin with, as of January 1, 2008 all United States citizens will need to have a valid passport for any travel to an international destination, including Mexico. You will need to present your passport to your cruise ship when checking in. Whenever you disembark for a shore excursion in Mexico you will need to show your passport as well.

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You have made the reservations for the hotel and bought tickets for your flight. You are looking forward to enjoying some leisure time for walking along a beach, dining at an authentic Mexican restaurant, or just exploring the narrow streets of a small Mexican village. But if you have never traveled outside of the United States, you might wonder if you could get along in a country where very few speak English outside of the resort community. So, the question is, should you take the time and effort to learn Spanish?

Certainly you would be able to enjoy certain aspects of your vacation much better if you spoke the same language as the nation that you are visiting. Being able to read advertising and newspapers in the region would lend itself to a better appreciation of Mexico and its culture. Speaking Spanish to the locals would make life much easier as far as ordering food, negotiating a price for that souvenir you just can’t live without or even asking for simple directions. Being able to understand what is being spoken around you would let you immerse yourself in the culture even more.

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In recent years the traveling public has really taken the idea of an all-inclusive vacation in Mexico to heart. Being able to pay one fee and just relax on vacation without having to worry about how much you are spending on food and drinks or if you can afford one more hour on your windsurf board can be wonderful. Knowing that your room, food, drinks, and activities are all paid for can remove all monetary concerns and let you just enjoy your vacation the way it was meant to be enjoyed.

All-inclusive resorts have become popular with tourists who like the ease of paying one flat rate for a package deal that will include a room at a resort and all food and most drinks. Many deals include all drinks, entertainment on site, and airfare. This has proven to be a great draw for travelers to patronize resorts that may have not been as successful as a regular resort. Many areas that rely on the high season of travel, such as Cancun or Puerto Vallarta, have kept tourist traffic consistent by offering all-inclusive deals in the off season.

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