Planning a Trip to Mexico From the Comforts of Home

There isn’t much travel going on right now, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t start planning and learning more about your next destination. Mexico is a fantastic and economical travel destination with so much more to offer than tequila and beach chairs. Check out how to plan the ultimate trip to Mexico from the comforts of home.

Get your documentation in order.

Traveling might be a way off in your future, but it is always a good idea to have your passport kept up to date. Keep in mind that you will generally need at least six months of validity left on your passport to be allowed entry to a foreign country. Use this time at home to ensure that your documentation is all up to date, and then you can hit the ground running once you can travel.

Everyone needs a passport to get into Mexico. American and Canadian citizens have been required to travel with a passport for over a decade to get into Mexico. Note that the Mexico Border Crossing might have different regulations for your nationality than when entering or exiting from the United States, so it is best to check out current requirements for both countries. Websites like Visagov.com have an eligibility checker for traveling to each country based on your nationality.

Learn the language

While you are parked off at home and unable to travel, learning a new language doesn’t have to be a pipe dream. You also don’t need to be fluent in Spanish to travel to Mexico. There are now plenty of choices for free translation and travel apps that make travel more effortless than ever. However, knowing a few key phrases will likely make your experience in Mexico more enjoyable, especially if you are traveling alone. At least learn how to order a beer or ask where to find the bathroom.

Map your route

Mexico has so many sites to see that it is doubtful you could see everywhere in one trip. As such, we recommend that you plan your route before setting off. Beaches are synonymous with Mexico, as are margaritas, so if catching some cocktails and sunshine is your thing, then you’ll have plenty of choices. Puerto Vallarta and Cabo San Lucas are famous for their all-inclusive luxurious beach resorts.

If sizzling in the sun isn’t your thing, then think about going inland and checking out the archaeological ruins. The Mayan Ruins are in Chiapas, and the Zapotec Ruins are in Oaxaca. The bigger cities in Mexico have stunning art galleries, architecture, designer shopping, and world-class restaurants.

Time your trip

Mexico tends to get busy with tourists during the American school holidays. If you can, try to avoid Christmas/New Years’, Easter, and the summer months for this reason. Luckily, the weather in Mexico is generally warm; even in the winter months, you can expect days to be around 28 degrees Celsius.

The weather varies by region, so check into the specifics of the places you intend to visit. Typically, the drier months are December through April which makes this the ideal time to travel. Hurricanes can be an issue from June through November.

You might not be ready to throw your bikini and novels into your suitcase just yet, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t spend this time at home planning your next great escape. Mexico has a wide-ranging appeal, which should keep all of the beach bums, foodies, and culture seekers engaged.