When Is The Best Time To Visit Mexico?
When determining the best time to visit Mexico for a vacation, you should keep in mind what type of weather you are hoping for, what kinds of activities or festivals you would like to participate in, and what kind of prices you are willing to pay. It may be that cost is a factor and you just want to lie around a pool all day sipping margaritas. Another vacationer may want to avoid the rainy season and fish. While yet another may want to time their vacation in order to join in on the festivities of Carnival.As far as weather goes, the best time to visit Mexico depends on where your chosen vacation spot will be. August and September get the most rain throughout Mexico and they also coincide with hurricane season which affects both the east and west coasts. The weather during this time of year can be very hot, humid and sticky. Central Mexico is situated on a high plain, which provides cool nights even during the summer. The southern coastal areas are always warm and can be very hot in the summer. And if you are thinking of vacationing in Baja California, be aware that it is a desert that just happens to be next to the ocean. It will be hot and dry most of the year regardless of the neighboring surf.
The winter months in most of Mexico can be quite pleasant. Most of the coastal beach cities and resorts will have daytime temperatures ranging in the 70′s and 80′s. Winter in some of the higher elevations in the middle of the country can have daytime highs anywhere from 50 degrees to anywhere in the 70′s range and nighttime lows at or below freezing.
There are literally thousands of festivals and observances all over Mexico and if there is a particular one you wish to attend, there are many websites available to get information about them. Some of the festivities are observed nationwide and can be celebrated everywhere from Cabo San Lucas to Cancun.
Carnival (or Carnaval) is celebrated five days before Ash Wednesday, usually in the first week of February. During this time parades, parties, and dancing in the streets are present everywhere and can provide great fun. Another holiday that is celebrated nationwide is Mexico’s day of independence. Cinco de Mayo is observed on May 5 every year as a celebration of the Mexican army’s defeat of the French in 1862 at the Battle of Puebla and is a great source of national pride for all of Mexico. And, of course, Christmas festivities are everywhere in this predominantly Christian country with mini-fiestas beginning in mid-December to celebrate the journey of Mary and Joseph leading up to Christmas Day.
The best time to visit Mexico for you might be when the off-season rates for lodging drop in price. August through September is cheaper in areas most affected by the rainy season. In the same way, summertime sees lower prices in many locations because of the high heat and humidity.
Before you decide on when to take a trip to Mexico, first decide what you would like to see and where you would like to go. After all, the best time to visit mainly depends on what your personal preferences may be.
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How To Keep Yourself And Your Property Safe While Vacationing In Mexico
When traveling to Mexico for a vacation, it is good to be mindful that you are in a foreign country and that some areas may not be as safe and secure as your hometown. While most of Mexico is very safe for visitors, you should always be proactive in protecting yourself and your property while traveling. Hotel employees, tour operators, taxi drivers and others involved in the tourist industry have their best interests invested in keeping you safe and secure, but there are always those who may take advantage.When walking in public markets and shopping areas, it is always best to keep a low profile while at the same time appearing confident. Walk with a sense of purpose and avoid looking lost, even if you are, as this will be a signal to unscrupulous types that you might be an easy mark. Don’t wear eye-catching jewelry or flash a lot of cash for the same reason. A middle-class look will work best as it doesn’t stand out as much, but still elicits respect. If you appear to be intoxicated, sick, tired, or physically weak you may become targeted for foul play.
It would pay to be extra cautious at night or in locations where there aren’t many people present. If you plan on going out at night, inquire at your hotel’s front desk about any areas that would be best to avoid and make sure to take a taxi or a tour rather than walk or hitchhike. Be vigilant when you use an ATM at night and make sure you always have someone with you. Also, some bars and clubs may have criminal elements that may try to drug your drink or try to isolate you somewhere where they can relieve you of your possessions. If this unfortunate event does happen to you, just let the money go and most muggers will not act violently towards you. Always remember that your life is much more important than any money, no matter how much.
Because of the sometimes unstable political unrest in Mexico, protests or political rallies can take place, often without much warning. The best action to be taken here is to simply leave immediately or avoid an area where such activities are happening. The Mexican Constitution states that foreigners cannot participate in political activities and can be deported or detained if they do. You may not intend to participate, but if you were present the case might be hard to prove otherwise and, in any case, it is not worth the risk.
Make sure you use the in-room safe in your hotel room for any excess cash, valuables, and your travel documentation. Don’t leave anything that can’t be replaced lying around your room, as a dishonest hotel employee can easily take it. Simple, common sense decisions that you would use at home regarding your personal safety and your property are a good rule of thumb to go by while you are traveling. By being vigilant, always traveling with a buddy, and sticking to high traffic areas you can keep yourself and your property safe while vacationing in Mexico.
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Get Back To Nature In Mexico: Explore Sian Ka’an Biosphere
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.
Accommodations at Sian Ka’an consist of tents that are raised off the ground to allow ecological and hydrological processes to continue. They have gorgeous views from private patios, as well as plenty of shade and cooling breezes. Bathrooms are shared, but they are always clean and also have stunning views over the water. The dining areas and kitchens are designed to maximize comfort while minimizing impact on the surrounding environment. The menu for the restaurant is wide and varied, but the best choice would be the fresh seafood dishes that are offered.
Activities in the park include fishing excursions, kayaking, or taking one of several tours that will highlight the canals and the Mayan ruins, abundant flora and fauna, and the history of the reserve. There is also a sunset tour that centers on bird watching where you will float along in an open-air boat through beautiful lagoons while viewing birds, plants, and diverse ecosystems. The tour then culminates in watching the sunset over the mangrove forest and lagoon.
The kayaking tours are designed to give visitors a more intimate access to the natural splendor of the park. Single or double kayaks are available and expert guides, who speak both English and Spanish, can accompany you through the reserve to bird watch and explore the wetlands. Free basic training is provided if you have never kayaked before. If you would like to explore alone, the guides can give you directions and information on where to go to use ancient trading routes through the park used by the Mayans. This is an excellent option for experienced kayakers, but an additional fee can give someone basic training to undertake this more advanced tour.
Sian Ka’an is a beautiful ecosystem to visit and learn about history, ecology, and sustainable technology that will open your mind to possibilities you may never have otherwise known about. At the very least it will give you an appreciation of conservation and natural beauty that should stay with you forever.
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How To Avoid Car Rental Nightmares On A Mexico Vacation
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.
When you rent a car in Mexico the rental agency will want you to have a credit card. They will need to run the card twice, once for the rental and once as a precautionary measure for any damages that may occur to the vehicle while it is in your possession. Once you return the car and an inspection shows it is in it’s previous condition you should make sure to get the second blank charge slip returned or destroyed in your presence. If all you have is a debit card you will probably be charged a deposit, but there is a chance that such a transaction will limit your withdrawal capability on that card.
Do not accept a vehicle from a rental office unless it appears to be in optimum condition. It won’t pay to take chances with a vehicle that may break down on a desolate piece of highway. In any case, rental agencies offer the same services in Mexico as they do in the U.S. such as roadside assistance and extra insurance for an additional fee. It is always advisable to take the extra insurance when renting in Mexico.
Renting a car and exploring Mexico at your own pace can be relaxing and liberating. It is relatively trouble-free and enjoyable as long as you know the best ways to avoid car rental nightmares. Rent from a known international company instead of a local company because a known brand will provide the best service and least hassles. Protect yourself by being aware of what you are charged and how payments for services are remitted. And make sure you take the time to inspect your prospective rental vehicle to assure yourself that it is in excellent condition and reasonably clean. These are just a few tips that will help you to avoid having a car rental nightmare while on your Mexico vacation.
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