What should one keep in mind when planning to vacation in Mexico in January?

Question

-Should I know a certain amount of Spanish?

-If I'm gluten/lactose intolerant, will there be a lot of food restrictions in Mexico?

-How do you get around? Taxi, motorbike, rental car?

-Should I beware of cheap packages?

Thanks for your thoughts.

Answer 1

I went to Cancun a few years ago and knew no Spanish and I got around just fine.  However, if you can learn some that would be great and may make some possible situations easier - it can't hurt.  As for the diet restrictions, I too am gluten intolerant and I carry a card around with me that states that I am allergic to anything with gluten/wheat in it and it also explains that the food can not even be fried or prepared on the same surface as something with wheat.  So, I would suggest making one of those in Spanish that you can show the waiter and have them talk to the cook.  It may be tricky - so try to stick to fresh fruits and foods unless you know for sure.  We used the buses to get around.  As for rates, Mexico and be very reasonable.  Yet, keep in mind that you get what you pay for.  I would not book the cheapest package, go somewhere in between.  Do some research on the properties.  Honestly, I would book through a travel consultant as you have a name, face, and physical address of someone who can help.  Many agencies don't charge a fee for booking an entire air, transfer, lodging package.

Answer 2

If you are going to drive in Mexico, remember this, Pemex are the names of the Gas Stations, they are full service, gasoline is sold by the liter and most importantly do not pay with credit cards, they tend to overcharge,  and gas stations do not take AMEX credit cards either!!

Answer 3

It is nice to know some Spanish.  If you are going to a tourist resort, you can get by without it, but you could get a beginner Spanish book or a phrase book to get some basic Spanish.  I live in Mexico and have a good friend here who is gluten intolerant.  The good thing is there is so much to eat in exico that is wheat free.  When you eat in a restaurant, just tell the waiter   no "harina de trigo".  No wheat flour.    And "No pan de trigo"...no wheat bread.  Be sure to ask for tortillas "de maiz".  There are many vegetable dishes available.  Most restaurants are very good about helping you find the right selections.  Taxis are cheap...and there are lots of buses.  You can rent a car,but really don't need to.

Answer 4

Spanish- depends on where you go.

Tourist areas have lots of english speakers.

Groceries are the same as at home. Markets are good sources of cheap and fresh food.

Getting around. Walking is how many people get around. Buses are cheapest and go everywhere but you need spanish to determine where they are going. Intercity buses vary in terms of cleanliness but usually are frequent and on schedule (unlike Canada). Taxis are cheap in some cities and expensive in others (normally in border towns) Driving is really not safe because roads are bad.

Answer 5

If you are traveling by car, from one city to another, use toll roads.  They are very new, not crowded, however, they can be expensive.  Roads "are not bad" everywhere.  (Have you driven through Louisiana lately or how about that section of Interstate 35 that collasped in MN.?)  You do need to have a good map before going to Mexico (purchase at Barnes & Noble) or buy at a Sanborns Store in Mexico City or other major city.  OK.  The more I write I believe that if you are not an experienced traveler, don't drive in a foreign country.  Walk, take buses or a taxis.  If you feel comfortable toward the end of trip, then rent a car for a couple of days just to get your "feet wet".  I personally like the freedom but never if parking is a constant hassle.  Just like you wouldn't rent a car in NYC.

Good luck.  Never limit yourself but always use common sense.

Answer 6

if your light complexion. id go and tan for a month or so. so when your there you wont burn. and be un happy....

Answer 7

Airline ticket prices fluxuate a lot so keep an eye on them. That's just starters.