To ensure that you have the best possible holiday experience, we ask you to read the following information carefully. If you have any questions, please discuss them with us before you depart.
Hand Luggage – pack essential items for a day or two in your hand luggage, in case your bags go astray and take a few days to catch up with you, especially if you have any tight connecting flights.
Documents – take a copy of your travel insurance policy with you, and leave a copy of your passport with a reliable contact at home, in case the originals are lost or stolen.
Electronic Devices – ensure these are all fully charge before travel, as you may be required to switch them on at airport security.
Mobile Phones – make sure they are set up for international calls and if you plan to use travel apps such as Google Translate (which is invaluable when travelling in Latin America) or Google Maps, ensure you check your data package with your provider in advance. Alternatively turn off date roaming to avoid large phone bills. Be aware that some rural areas may not have mobile or WiFi coverage.
Clothing – as the climate is hot and humid at the coast, pack lightweight clothing and a good pair of walking shoes. Take a day pack, T-shirts, shorts, jeans, sunhat, swimming costume, flip flops, sunglasses and bio-degradable sunscreen. Waterproof reef walking shoes are essential. Rain gear will be required in the wet season. Mexico City and the Colonial Highlands are at higher altidude and will require warmer clothing. Take a generous supply of insect repellent to spray on your neck, wrists and ankles & when visiting the pristine water park caves of the Yucatan Peninsula, use only biodegradable sunscreen lotion. Eye drops can be handy, especially if you wear contact lenses, and sanitising hand cleaner.
Medicines - if you travel with prescription drugs, carry an adequate supply in their original bottles/packaging & keep them in your hand luggage, as if lost they may be difficult to replace.
Accessories – pack your phone (with charger and a spare battery pack), camera (with spare memory cards and batteries – a 200 mm zoom lens is good for wildlife photography) and binoculars (large 8x40 is best). We suggest one pair per person, as it can be frustrating to share.
Plugs – type A (2-prong, as used in the USA) and B (Japan), but many Mexican sockets are not grounded (i.e. no third pin) or polarised (i.e. one blade slightly taller than the other to prevent plug being inserted upside down). Pack a universal adapter as well as a hand basin plug/stopper, as these are not always provided.
Books – pack a good travel guide and a Spanish phrase book. Knowing a few simple greetings will go down well. Also pack a generous supply of English reading material for quiet evenings and when waiting for flights, as these will be hard to come by.
Water – use and drink only bottled water, as tap water is not safe. Avoid washed salads outside your hotels, peel all fruit before eating it and remember to brush your teeth with bottled water. Pack diarrhoea tablets and rehydration sachets for emergencies.
Food – Mexico is world famous for its cuisine, having introduced us to chillies, tacos, burritos, fajitas and tequila, as well as many other wonderful regional specialties. In the larger cities you will find a huge array of excellent restaurants. Vegetarians and food allergies are well catered for.
Coffee & tea - unlike in Europe, do not expect coffee facilities in your bedroom (and certainly not tea).
Smoking - it is forbidden to import e-cigarettes or vaping devies into Mexico. Be aware that strict anti-smoking laws prohibit smoking in all public places in Mexico, including hotels, beaches, town squares, pubs, restaurants and public transport, with fines if you are caught smoking. The only place you can smoke is in private outdoor space and in private homes.
Respect the Local Culture – always take into account the wishes of the local people, some of whom do not wish to be photographed.
Taxis – the best way to get around Mexico City is by tourist taxi, booked in advance by your hotel. The pink and white (and older red and gold) metered taxis are much cheaper, but have a reputation for ripping off tourists.
Self-Drive – driving is on the right. Any valid UK, European or American driving license is accepted as long as it has a photograph and signature. A credit card in the name of the main driver is also essential. The only regions we would recommend self driving are the Yucatan Peninsula, Colonial Highlands and Baja California - but remember all road signs will be in Spanish and very little English will be understood. Be aware that you are travelling in a country where driving standards are lower than at home and take all sensible precautions against crime - including not leaving any belongings on display, keeping your doors locked and not stopping for uknown vehicles. Purchase a good road map in advance (in English) and download the Google Maps (offline) app or hire a sat-nav, as signage can be sparse in rural areas.
Safety – take all sensible precautions. Leave valuable jewellery/watches at home, wear a money belt and be alert when outside your hotel. In particular avoid taking out large wads of cash in public view and keep your spare cash, passport and a spare credit card in your hotel safe.
Indemnities - please be aware it is likely you will be required to sign indemnities for any potentially hazardous activities.
Pack for a Purpose - if you have a little space in your suitcase, local schools & communities always appreciate gifts of pens & pencils, stationery, deflated footballs etc. Specific requests from communities can be seen on the 'Pack for a Purpose' website.
Tipping – this is not compulsory, but if you want to tip because you have received good service, we suggest the following per adult:
- guides/drivers: Ps 150 + Ps 50 = Ps 200 per day (can be reduced for longer stays).
- photographs in local villages: Ps 20 each.
- waiters: 10% (if not already added to your bill)
- porters: Ps 20 per bag
- deep sea fishing: $100 per trip.
It is not necessary to tip drivers doing short transfers (eg to the airport).
Travel Advice – consult the UK Foreign Office website for the latest travel advice www.fco.gov.uk.