 Full of natural wonder and beauty, Mexico offers plenty of travel opportunities regardless whether you're crossing the border for a spring break day trip or for a full-fledge vacation or expedition. The country is large and diverse, and for the most part extremely friendly and open to tourists and travelers.
You can experience many of the attractive and popular tourist destinations this spring break from the Texas border, either by driving your own car into Mexico or by using some form of public transportation. Mexican air and bus transit is a far cry from what it was a number of years ago and offers first class service to every corner of the country. And Mexican airlines sport some of the best safety records in the business!
Many U.S. travelers prefer to fly out of U.S. airports in McAllen, Brownsville, San Antonio or Houston. But more travelers are discovering airports in Matamoros, Reynosa and Nuevo Laredo offer great starting points if you're flying either Mexicana or Air Mexico carriers. And there can be a savings for those that don't mind crossing the border to one of these airports.
 Traveling Mexico in a first class bus coach is another popular and economic method of seeing the diverse regions of Mexico. You can opt to catch the bus on either side of the border and travel about as far as you like in relative safety and comfort on one of the many bus carriers that serve the country.
Safety and Standard of Travel
Travel anywhere in the world, including the United States, is not without some inconvenience and risk. Is it really safe traveling through New York City or Houston or Los Angeles? Probably no more risk than traveling through Mexico City, Vera Cruz or Monterey. For the experienced traveler who knows how to avoid uncomfortable and risky situations, traveling through Mexico is not much different than traveling anywhere else. While you hear a great deal about banditos and kidnappings and hijacks, the truth is Mexico is not a dangerous travel location, and if you mind the rules and remain alert to your personal safety, you shouldn't have any problems at all.
 Health & NutritionHere we go again... We hear a lot about the food and water in Mexico and how tourists can get really sick from consuming local staples. But would you be surprised to learn many Mexican tourist experience similar problems when traveling to the U.S.? We all have grown accustomed to consumer goods grown or raised in our native environs, so there is a natural rejection of foods and water that differ from what we get at home.
Yes, because soil enzymes and bacteria are different between various geographic areas, the wise traveler will always be careful what they consume. Bottled water is almost always safe, and avoiding local dishes, especially in the back country, is probably a good idea unless you are going to be in the region long enough to develop a kinship and tolerance for the local microbial population. But that shouldn't stop you from enjoying a savory local favorite at a first class restaurant. The cuisine of Mexico is diverse and wonderful, depending on your taste, and with a little common sense, local dishes can be enjoyed and savored.
  Photo At Left -Travelers to the Yucatan Peninsula will experience the history of ancient Mexico at Chichenitza, the Mayan/Toltec golden city of dreams. Pictured at left is the Temple of Kulkulcan.
Photo On Right -
Travelers rarely see the back streets and neighborhoods of historic Vera Cruz, but the colonial city is a must-see for travelers who enjoy culture.
If you're crossing the border for a day (or night) junket and are looking for the best clubs - BEWARE! There's a lot of fun to be had in Mexico, but there are a few guidelines you should follow to protect yourself and belongings. First off, realize the standard of living is different in most border towns. Don't go wandering by yourself or in small groups. Don't take off with strangers, no matter how tempting. And be careful of contraband like drugs and guns - they can land you in a Mexican prison for a very long time.
If you're going to drink, do it in moderation, or at least have a number of designated drivers - even if you aren't driving. You should be aware that when crossing back into the U.S., proper ID is required, and those that exhibit public intoxication run the risk of spending the night in an American jail.
Be smart about your visit to Mexico. Enjoy the food, the museums, the culture - and yes the clubs. But exercise caution and error the side of personal safety. Remember you have entered into another country, and the rules are vastly different in the border areas. It's easy to get into serious trouble - it happens every year.
American money is accepted in the border towns, but don't flash a wad of bills in front of anyone. In fact, don't take any more money than you intend to spend. And leave the credit card at home. Obey the laws and the general rules of good conduct. It could save you a lot of heartache and strife!
|
HOME
FORUMS
