Travel to Mexico can be as simple as booking an all-inclusive flight and hotel package to Cabo San Lucas or as complex as planning a 6-month backpacking journey to cover mountains, volcanoes, jungles, beaches, cities, deserts, canyons and villages. Whether you’re a city mouse or a country mouse, a shopper or a beach-hopper, there are certain basics that apply to most destinations in the country. With a little planning, you will see something beyond the margarita madness of Spring Break in Cancun and catch a glimpse of the beautiful diversity Mexico has to offer.

While planning your trip, consider what will make for a more enriching experience. Throw a Spanish phrasebook into your luggage and practice common forms of greeting. Eat yogurt every day for a week before departure, to build up your natural defenses. Keep your itinerary open for the first couple of days after you arrive, to give yourself a chance to acclimate to your destination. Make sure your passport is current. Check to see if your bank has any connection with Mexican banks, as Bank of America does with Scotia, so that debit card transactions will be free. Bring dollars, but change them to pesos at the airport or in town.

There is a world of adventures beyond the beaches at Puerto Vallarta. If you like adventure fishing and snorkeling, try the Baja peninsula. If you like designer shopping, the Polanco District of Mexico City will keep you busy. If you enjoy rugged canyons and stunning views, the train trip through the Copper Canyon is a favorite. If you want to see artisans and indigenous traditions, Oaxaca is your place. If you appreciate colonial architecture and winding cobblestone streets, Guanajuato and San Miguel de Allende are calling to you. If you want archaeological ruins and remote beaches, head toward the Mayan Riviera. For an interesting contrast between luxury beach resort and small fishing village, the combination of Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo is perfect.

Everyone wonders if it’s true that they can’t drink the water. The fact is, many locals don’t even drink the water. Bottled water is plentiful and affordable. Wash your hands before you eat. Wait a couple days before tackling street food and then check the stalls for cleanliness and popularity. Don’t eat unpeeled raw fruits or vegetables that you bought on the street. Don’t eat unpasteurized dairy products. Stay hydrated, especially on beaches and at high altitudes.

The benefits of Mexican travel are numerous. Rest, adventure, and immersion into a foreign culture and language are top reasons to visit. But don’t forget the more subtle benefits, such as “comida corrida,” or the meal of the day. From early afternoon until late afternoon, many restaurants post signboards listing their lunch special, typically 3 to 4 courses for less than $6. This is the way the locals sit down to eat. Remember that you must request the check at the end of your meal.

Mexicans will tell you that bargaining is a part of life in their country. Be prepared to walk away from potential purchases, especially in the markets and street stalls. Never insult a person’s wares. Instead, ask if there is a discount or a better price. In larger stores where prices are marked, haggling is not as common.

Read Next 5 Articles
Facts About Mexico
travel tips for Italy
How Much Does it Cost to Travel to Italy?
About Wine Tasting Tours in Italy
About Florence, Italy