Traveling to Mexico

Planning a vacation to Mexico but do not know where to start? I have some tips on what you should do and what you should not. Mexico is an amazing place if you know where to go and how to find it. What you hear in the news will most likely be an isolated incident which means that it is not as bad as it sounds.

I have been living in Mexico all my life, I know the country pretty well. The most important thing to keep in mind when you go to Mexico is that tourism is a big thing. Tourisim accounts for a large percentage of the Mexican economy. No matter where you decide to go, make sure it is a place where many tourists go. This will ensure that you have a safe and pleasant visit without having to worry about getting lost or other problems. 

Ok so now I would like to mention some important points for traveling to Mexico.

(At the end of the post, I will put link's to things I mention below)

• I would recommend flying into the country, driving can be expensive and the current situation in the northern states is not very good. 
• Sit down and take the time to see what is it exactly what you want to do. E.g. Go to the beach, visit prehistoric locations or an archaeological digs,etc... There are many options.
• Look for a place in the southern states, from my experience I can tell you that they have far more amazing places, plus they are safer. 
• See if you can find a group or a tour where the coach and hotel are included, always see the offers, you will find that it is much more effective than just trying to move on your own.
• If you don't know Spanish, don't worry that much, the average Mexican involved in tourism knows at least some English, enough to communicate properly.
• Cost of traveling to Mexico is in some cases expensive, but like any other place, it really depends on what you would like to have, the hotels may vary from $60-$70 dollars a night up to $200-$300 a night.

So let's break it down to the 2 main types of locations.(Beach or city locations(historic))

Beach (Click to enlarge) 

The mayor beach locations would be Acapulco, Ixtapa, Puerto Escondido, Los Cabos and Playa del Carmen.Everyone of these places is amazing, they all are very popular among nationals and foreign visitors. Playa del Carmen: Famous for the Riviera Maya, one of the most amazing places you will find.Explorer's Guide Playa Del Carmen, Tulum & the Riviera Maya: A Great Destination (Second Edition) (Explorer's Great Destinations)

Acapulco:  Acapulco is one of the most famous, if not the most famous one, places to go in Mexico.The problem with this place now is that it has become a little bit unsafe. The government is in the middle of a fight with the drug cartels, it has improved however there is military presence. This has not stopped trurisim though, so if you really want to go, make sure you find one of the major hotel companies. e.g. Hilton, Ritz or Fiesta Inn. The night life is the best, non stop!Mexico Vacation Recommendations, How-To Articles, Tips and Guides

Ixtapa: Still a developing area, it has some of the most clean beaches you have ever seen, the night life there is good, there are many things to see and visit, good for a family trip.Manzanillo, Playa Azul, Ixtapa & Zihuatanejo

Puerto Escondido: If you like surfing this is the place to go! The water X-Games are held here, and with good reason, there are some amazing waves and amazing night life, in my opinion it is one hell of a place to go. It can also be a good family trip! There are many activities including wind surfing, banana riding, water skiing,etc.. It is just an adventure to go here. Hot Surf

Notes:

• 10% tip on food.
•  Bus travel is recommended(way better than Greyhound) 
• Taxi May do car pools, meaning that it can be cheaper.
• Street Vendors, Negotiation is always good.
• AA has some packages worth looking at http://www.aa.com/homePage.do 
• Take dollars or Euros and exchange them for pesos once in Mexico, they have good exchange rates.

I will make a second post on cities and historic location's.