Visiting a new place is always fun, but planning a trip to a country or a city you've never been to before can be a little overwhelming. Today, we'd like to share with you some useful tips for your next trip. Maybe some of these will help lower your pre-travel jitters, especially if you aren't fluent in Spanish yet!
Don't forget your passport
Travelers always need some kind of documentation to state their nationality, specially when they're going out of their country of origin. If you're going to travel to Mexico for less than six months there's no need to get a visa, you can enter and leave the country with your official passport. However, it's very important for you not to lose it or leave it at the hotel, since you'll need it at the border before going back to the States. Also, we'd like to recommend always bringing along an additional copy of your passport and ID, just in case you lose them during your vacations.
To know a little more about the documents you need to travel to Mexico, click here or here.
Double check your lodging, tickets and tours
Imagine that you miss your flight because you got the time wrong. Or that you arrive at the hotel and there's a problem with your reservation. Just thinking about it makes you a little nervous, doesn't it? A couple of days before your trip, call your airline and hotel directly, especially if you booked through a third party, to double check and solve any last-minute doubts you could have. If you booked online tours, print your receipts or make a call to the agency. It will make you feel at ease knowing that everything is set for your arrival.
Read reviews about the places you're visiting
Sometimes we don't know what to expect from certain "touristy" spots or don't know exactly what to do once we arrive at our destination; reviews can help in that aspect. The experiences from past visitors are perfect to know what worked for them, what didn't, what not to do or where to go in order to make the most of your vacation time. Also check out reviews about the hotel you're staying at, as it can help you upgrade your experience in Mexico.
Websites focused on travel experience, such as TripAdvisor or The Culture Trip, will surely have useful information for your next adventure.
(Photo credit: gruporivas.com.mx)
Read about the place you're visiting
Since you're studying Spanish, by now you might know a little more about Mexican culture than you did a few months ago. However, you should believe us when we tell you that every corner in Mexico has an amazing story to tell. While you're planning your trip, read some facts or a little bit of the history of the places you'll visit. When you get there, they will look even more interesting and beautiful because you know what happened there.
Bring an extra memory card for your camera
We know you're dying to show all your friends back home the amazing things and places you saw in Mexico. Make sure you have enough space in your phone or camera to take as many pictures as you like. Months or years from now, when you look at them again, you'll remember those amazing days traveling around the country.
Locals know best
When in doubt, ask the locals! If you feel like you're lost or can't find an specific place, they will probably be able to help you. Mexicans are known for being kind and friendly, so we're sure somebody will help you on your way, or maybe give you some advice about fun places you could visit and how to get there. This can be the perfect chance to practice what you've learned in your spanish online lessons!
(Photo credit: loscabosguide.com)
Practice your Spanish
Whether you're going to order food, ask for directions or have somebody take your picture in a nice place, it could be your chance to practice everything you've learned so far. The following phrases will come in handy:
- Disculpe, ¿Cuánto cuesta esto? (Excuse me, how much does this cost?)
- ¿PodrÃ?ÃÂa decirme cómo llegar a...? (Could you please tell me how to get to...?)
- Disculpe, ¿podrÃ?ÃÂa tomarme una foto? (Excuse me, could you please take my picture?)
- Me gustarÃ?ÃÂa tomar... (I'd like to drink...)
These are only a few ideas, but we encourage you to come up with more phrases that you've already practiced with your instructor. We're sure that once you start speaking, the rest will flow a lot easier. Talk to your tour guide, to your waiter or to a nice person walking down the streets. This is your opportunity to experience Mexico like a local!
Try the traditional Mexican dishes
Eating Mexican food is obviously a "must" when visiting Mexico. Many people associate Mexican food with tacos but, truth is, our national cuisine has plenty more to offer: enchiladas, chilaquiles, mole, queso fundido, chiles rellenos... the list goes on. You can check out another recent post to know a bit more about some underrated Mexican dishes.
Have fun!
Everything is set, now the only thing left to do is enjoy your trip. Every travel experience is a new opportunity to learn about a culture and about yourself. If you are staying in the country for an extended period of time we highly recommend you prepare in advance by taking a Spanish crash course via Skype.
Once you come back, we'll be glad to listen to your adventures and the new words and phrases you've learned during your stay in Mexico.
(Photo credit: cdmx.gob.mx)
