Archive for the ‘Mexico Vacations’ Category

Visiting Mexico? Don’t Be a Victim to Crime

Thursday, December 18th, 2008


If you are planning a trip to Mexico, there are a number of important factors that you should first consider and prepare for. These factors are considered safety precautions.  Traveling to Mexico is fun, but it can be also dangerous, especially if you don’t know what to do or how to protect yourself.

When visiting Mexico it is important to register with the United States Travel Registry to ensure that the government knows that you are leaving the country.  This is the first step to staying safe while in Mexico.  In the event that you become the victim of a crime, you will receive immediate government assistance.  When using the internet to register with the United States Travel Registry, be sure to leave a detailed itinerary of your plans on your computer.

You should also make sure that you leave information regarding your travel plans with a close friend, family member, co-worker, or neighbor.  You are encouraged to make copies of your airline tickets, as well as your passport. You want to take a copy with you and leave another copy at home.  This will help verify your location if something should go awry.  You should also designate someone you know as your emergency contact.

Use common sense in the hotels, on busses, or walking in the streets of Mexico.  Don’t take taxicabs that you have just waved down on the streets.  Many crimes are being reported of people who haven’t previously arranged for taxis.  You should also never carry large amounts of cash, flashy jewelry, or extra credit cards with you.  When you are a tourist, shady people will already notice you and single you out.  Be on the lookout for and avoid these individuals at all costs.

If you think that you know all there is to Mexico you are most often wrong.  Public drinking is often shown in films as the norm, however this is a crime and you can be arrested for being intoxicated in public.  You should also use caution when drinking in nightclubs or bars during the evening hours.  People who wish to victimize tourists often drug them.

You should always use caution, no matter where you are. Despite being cautionary at all times, you should also use caution when traveling by bus and other forms of public transportation.  You should always stay alert during nighttime travel and while traveling during busy bus hours.  It is becoming more common for tourists to be mugged while riding on the busses in Mexico.  The busses where these crimes are taking place are often the cheapest forms of travel.  You may want to ride first class and have someone that you know and trust with you.

If you need help while in Mexico you should contact the United States Embassy.  There is also a twenty-four hour hotline for the Mexican Ministry of Tourism.  There is also a Mexican version of 911; it is 060 for Mexico City, and 066 for other areas of Mexico.  This will put you in contact with Mexican officials immediately.  There is also a Mexican Red Cross that will help if you are injured and need medical help.  The Red Cross is free of charge and they will provide basic medical attention.

The above mentioned precautionary measures and important phone number are just a few of the many that you should know.  Despite what you believe, staying safe while on vacation in Mexico shouldn’t begin as soon as you arrive.  You should start taking precautionary measures before you leave for your vacation.

Visiting Mexico? Check the Weather First!

Thursday, December 18th, 2008


If you are planning a romantic cruise, wedding, or family vacation to Mexico, you will want to make sure that your trip isn’t overshadowed by torrential rains, storms, or even a hurricane.  To plan your vacation, you should follow the local news for both current events and the weather.  Planning your trip, according to the weather, will ensure that you will have a wonderful vacation that includes sun filled days.   Below is an overview of some of the average temperatures and weather for the top Mexico vacation destinations.

The average climate for Acapulco is between 80-82’ Fahrenheit. The highs run from 87-90 degrees and the lows are between 70-75’.  The hottest months are from May to September, with the coolest months being from December to April.  Rainfall can range from very little to a large amount.  From December to May there is very little rainfall.  However, from May to September, rainfall can reach oven 10 inches.  The month of the heaviest rainfall is September; this is also the time of year when the hurricane risk is high. If you do not want to experience heavy rainfalls, you are urged to vacation during the months December to May. These months will ensure that your vacation will be a relatively dry one.

Cancun is a beautiful island to visit and its average temperature ranges from the mid 70’s to the mid 80’s.  A bit cooler than Acapulco, Cancun’s coldest months are between December and May and the temperatures run from 74’-82’.  The warmer temperatures occur from May to November and temperatures rise from the low 80’s up to roughly 90 degrees.  Rainfall is more abundant year round, but is not as much rain as seen in Acapulco.  From December to May, rainfall averages between 1 ? inches to 4 ? inches.  The summer months may see as much as 9 inches of rainfall.  Cancun will experience less dry months than Acapulco, but you won’t experience as many torrential rainstorms either.

Cozumel has a very steady climate with lows ranging in the high 60’s and the highs ranging between 82-87 degrees   The warmest month of the year is August and coldest is in Decemeber.  From December until March, you may experience cool weather in Cozumel.

Many say that Los Cabos feels like the desert with dry heat.  Humidity is rare and so are torrential rainstorms and downpours.  However, the ocean will deliver a cool and refreshing breeze.  The warmest month of the year is July, when temperatures can reach 100’.  The coolest months are from January to May where the temperatures average between 51-66’.  The average lows during the hot summer months are between 73-75’.

Mazatlan is known for being one of the largest beaches that Mexico has to offer. The weather is typically warm and beautiful, however during the summer months it can become very hot and humid.  The warmest month is August, where temperatures can reach a high of 90’.  The coolest temperatures are between the months of December to May, and the averages temperature is round 60’.

Puerto Vallarta is surrounded by the Sierra Madre Mountains.  This tropical climate is host to a heavy rain season from June to October.  The high temperatures during these months range from the high 80’s – mid 90’s.  The temperature is very steady year round; however, Puerto Vallarta is known for its large amount of nighttime rains.

While it may be difficult to keep track of the varying weather conditions in Mexico, it is advised that you do.  Unfortunately, many vacationers believe that Mexico is warm and sunny all year long.  This is simply not true.  By knowing what the weather will be like, you can easily plan and prepare for you vacation in Mexico.

Vacationing With Your Family: Popular Mexico Destinations

Wednesday, December 17th, 2008


Mexico is often viewed as a popular vacation destination for young adults and couples.  While it is true that Mexico has a large nubmer of attractions that are designed for adults, it is also a great place to vacation as a family.  If you and your family are currently searching for your next family vacation destination, you will want to take Mexico into consideration.

As with all other vacation destinations, you will have to find activities and facilities that are geared towards families.  In Mexico, you are sure to find a nubmer of these places.  To get you started on your search, you are encouraged to keep on reading.  Below is an overview of five popular Mexico locations that offer services, activities, and facilities for all of your family members, no matter how young or old they are.
(1)  Acapulco, Mexico is home to some of Mexico’s most famous beaches.  Beach resorts line the coast.  Vacationing here will allow you to participate in many beach activities. These activities may include, but are not limited to surfing, sunbathing, boating, and swimming.  While Acapulco is most well-known for their beaches, there are a wide range of other nearby activities that you and your family may enjoy.
Golf lovers will enjoy playing rounds of golf in or around the Acapulco area.  If golf is not an activity that your family enjoys, you may enjoy taking water tours.  You and your family could enjoy guided tours that take you along Mexico’s islands and lagoons. Your children may also find the nearby water and amusement parks exciting.
(2)  Mazatlan is a large costal city located on Mexico’s west coast.  Beach lovers can find an unlimited nubmer of activities in and around the Mazatlan area.  Popular beach activities include, but are not limited to surfing, swimming, sunbathing, and boating.
While visiting Mazatlan, children of all ages will love the seawater adventures.  At a nubmer of locations in this costal city, you and your family can learn about the creatures found underwater with fun activities.  Water shows, similar to those found at Sea World, may create an experience that you children will never forget.
(3)  Guadalajara is the second largest city in Mexico.  It is not located along the beach, but it is an ideal vacation destination for those traveling to Mexico with their families.  If you are interested in learning about the history and culture of Mexico, rather than just relaxing at the beach, Guadalajara is the place to be.
Guadalajara is most well-known for its culture and historic attractions.  You and your family may enjoy an area tradition known as Charro.  Mexican men, dressed as horse riders, will put on rodeo shows for tourists. While sightseeing or shopping in Guadalajara, you will enjoy the many fountains and parks that can be found around the way.  If you select Guadalajara as your next vacation destination, you and your family will not be disappointed.
(4)  Puerto Vallarta is located along the Mexican Riviera.  This area has a large nubmer of well-known beach resorts.  While Puerto Vallarta is known for its romantic environment, you and your family may enjoy visiting the area.  It has been said that Puerto Vallarta is ideal for vacationers visiting Mexico for the first time.

In addition to beach activities, Puerto Vallarta offers activities for the whole family. A popular attraction for many families is the Rio Cuale Island.  This island offer a ship that is similar to the one used by Christopher Columbus. What could be better than a beach getaway with a touch of education?
(5)  If you thought that Puerto Vallarta was an ideal vacation place due to value of incorporating education into your family’s Mexico vacation, you will love Mexico City.  While Mexico City has adapted to tourists, it is most known for it historical culture.  In many areas of the world, it is hard for a city to keeps its culture while still attracting tourist.
What you and your family may find most intriguing in Mexico City is the unlimited nubmer of museums.  Mexico City is home to a nubmer of traditional museums, interactive museums, and museums that are designed especially for children.  Whether you want to shop, learn, or sightsee, Mexico City is the place to be.
The above mentioned Mexico cities are just a few of the many that you can visit.  For additional tourist information you are encouraged to contact your local travel agent or request free Mexico vacation guides.